Far Eastern Agriculture 3 2013

Choosing the right fungicide

Preview of Livestock Philippines

Avoiding feed contamination

Automated pig housing

2013: Year of rice for Philippines?

Citrus crops

Monitoring crops to prevent wheat rust

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 3

ISSUE THREE 2013

US$15.00 (UK£9.00)

Poultry feed check – p13

FEAG 3 2013 COVER_FEAG_COVER_MASTER_09 31/07/2013 14:24

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Far Eastern Agriculture (ISSN 0266-8025)

3

Contents

Choosing the right fungicide

Preview of Livestock Philippines

Avoiding feed contamination

Automated pig housing


Citrus crops

Monitoring crops to prevent wheat rust

VOLUME 30 ISSUE 3

ISSUE THREE 2013

US$15.00 (UK£9.00)

Poultry feed check – p13

Ph

oto

: ww

w.s

xc.h

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Bulletin4 A round-up of key developments in the regional market

Agenda6 China corn import to surge 85 per cent in 2014, Thailand and Cambodia to set up trade zone for cassava and corn, Vietnam expects bumper coffee harvest in 2013, Myanmar to boost rice exports

Events9 Preview of Livestock Philippines, Seafood expo, Inapalm 2013, Review of Indo Livestock Expo, Thailand Rice Convention 2013

Livestock13 Poultry feed management

16 Pig housing becoming automated

20 Mineral management to boost animal performance

Crops23 Choosing the right fungicide for citrus crops

27 2013: Year of rice for Philippines?

Equipment31 The latest innovation in agricultural technologies

Moreover35 Monitoring crop to prevent wheat rusts

AWILA Anlagenbau GmbH ..........................................5

Brinsea Products Ltd ................................................15

Compact Seeds and Clones SA ................................23

Diamond Engineering Ltd. ........................................19

Eurofeed Technologies S.r.l. ......................................34

Goizper Sociedad Cooperativa ..................................33

Impex Barneveld b.v..................................................31

Lubing Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG ..................36

MIK International AG..................................................17

Omex Agrifluids Ltd. ..................................................27

Schaumann Agri International GmbH ........................13

SKA s.r.l. Italy ............................................................29

Technical Systems ......................................................7

Tithebarn Ltd.............................................................21

Unipoint AG................................................................34

United Business Media (M) Sdn Bhd

(Livestock Philippines 2013)........................................9

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www.fareasternagriculture.com | FAR EASTERN AGRICULTURE Issue Three 2013

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4

New Jansen distributor in Indonesia

PT TRI DINAMIKA Nusantara hasbeen appointed as the distributorof Jansen Poultry Equipment inIndonesia. Pt Tri Dinamika Nusantaraowner David Hoo said that he wasextremely excited about the tie-upbetween the two companies. The agreement between bothcompanies has been signed inBekasi, Indonesia, recently.Introduction of the Jansen Poultry Products will take place within ashort time at the Indonesian Livestock Exhibition in Bali. Both companies believe that Jansen’s BroMaxx colony system forbroilers is likely to become very popular in Indonesia. This modernpoultry equipment enables the farmers to improve the living conditionof the birds. This, in turn, results in better growth rates, better feedconversion, higher life of broilers and higher profit for the farmer. For broiler breeders, Jansen’s Premium+ laying nests will be madeavailable in the Indonesian markets. The nests ensure that eggs areproduced in a highly efficient and clean manner.

BASF to set up research centre in India

THE INTERNATIONAL CHEMICAL group BASF has revealed plansto shift its R&D work to Asia for supporting its major expansion intothe region. The company is looking at several sites to set up a globalresearch centre for developing plant protection products in India.BASF senior vice-president for crop protection in Asia PacificRaman Ramachandran said, “A decision has been made for settingup the centre in India.” A number of sites for the centre were beingevaluated including Mumbai, he said. The investment and time-frame of setting up the centre were beingconsidered and relevant approvals were being sought from theIndian authorities, he added. For the longer-term, BASF would also invest in a production plant inIndia for making crop protection products, said BASF president forcrop protection in Germany Markus Heldt. The Indian manufacturing facility would be similar to BASF’s facilitybeing built at Rudong in the Chinese province of Jiangsu. TheChinese facility would be operational in 2014 with more than 100employees producing crop protection solutions for markets in Chinaand Southeast Asia, Ramachandran said. In the meantime, field trials have started at BASF’s global agroresearch station in Pune, which was initiated in 2012.

Big Dutchman cooperates with CP Group

BIG DUTCHMAN HAS signed an official partnership contract withJiayuguan CP Modern Agriculture and Husbandry Industrial FarmersCooperation Organisation in Jiayuguan city of Gansu province in China.From Big Dutchman Pig Equipment pig Asia business unit presidentPieter Jan Brouwer, pig equipment China national sales director KimNielsen, pig equipment North China sales director Leiden Lei werepresent at the contract signing ceremony.It was also attended by Jiayuguan municipal party committeedeputy secretary Wang Feng, agriculture and forestry bureau chiefJia Xingzhi, CP Lanzhou senior president Ma Jilin, CP Lanzhou vicepresident Li Linxing, general manager of the new project Sun Lihuaand president of the Farmers Cooperation Organisation Liu Yang.The partnership between Big Dutchman and Jiayuguan CP ModernAgriculture and Husbandry Industrial Farmers CooperationOrganisation is a US$7,564,971 venture.

Sino-French agreement on food exports

FRANCE AND CHINA have signed a cooperation agreement overfood safety practices that should open up the Chinese market toFrench meat and foods.The agreement was signed by the French agriculture minister StépanLe Foll and the Chinese minister of the general administration of controlquality, inspection and quarantine (AQSIQ) Zhi Shupingduring.Le Foll said that food safety measures to protect the consumer havealways been a priority for international trade in agricultural and foodproducts industry.This French-Chinese cooperation will help to improve theunderstanding between the two countries and strengthen dialogueto reduce health barriers to trade.The agreement will be expected to benefit trade in porkproducts in particular and it will mark a breakthrough in openingup the market to China.The agreement has also opened discussion on potential beefexports, with both sides agreeing to abide by the internationalstandards of the OIE – World Organization for Animal Health.

China inks agricultural agreement with New Zealand

CHINESE AGRICULTURE MINISTER Hang Changfu has signed aStrategic Plan on Promoting Agricultural Cooperation with NewZealand’s minister for primary industries Nathan Guy.“This is an important agreement which will encourage cooperationand the sharing of knowledge to benefit both countries,” said Guy.The plan sets out areas in which both countries can benefit fromeach other, such as animal welfare and science, increasingproductivity and building skills and knowledge.The New Zealand minister added, “This document will further buildon the strong relationship that the two countries share, particularly inthe agricultural sector.“The two-way trade between China and New Zealand has reachedalmost US$15bn. Our aim is to double bilateral trade to US$20bn by2015 and we’re on track to achieve that goal.“The strategic plan will open wider the channels for cooperation,including between our industry organisations and companies.”The agreement will run from 2013- 017 and can be updated any time.

Perdue Agribusiness expands soybean exports to China

US-BASED PERDUE AGRIBUSINESShas expanded exports of Virginiasoybeans to China. China’s Dandong Port Group hasagreed to buy up to 29mnbushels of soybeans from thisyear’s crop.Since an agreement signed inSeptember 2011, Dandong haspurchased more than 30mnbushels of soybeans.Virginia governor Bob McDonnellsaid that the recently signedagreement for expandingsoybean exports to China wasreached during a trade and

marketing mission to Asia in April 2013.Perdue Agribusiness operates an export terminal in Chesapeake.Under the export agreement, Dandong can purchase up to 14Panamax vessels of soy from Perdue. The export is expected to beready for shipment by October 2013.

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Colony house for broiler production

Bulletin

FAR EASTERN AGRICULTURE Issue Three 2013 | www.fareasternagriculture.com


5

AUGUST7-9 Livestock Philippines 2013 Philippines www.livestockphilippines.com

25-30 The 10th International Congress of Plant Pathology Beijing, China www.icppbj2013.org

SEPTEMBER4-6 Asia Fruit Logistica 2013 Hong Kong, China www.asiafruitlogistica.com

9-11 Asean Food Conference Singapore www.cvent.com

23-25 Asian Pig Veterinary Society Congress Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam www.pig333.com

24-26 Livestock Asia Expo & Forum 2013 Malaysia www.livestockasia.com

25-28 Kistock (Korea International Livestock Expo) Daegu, Korea www.kistock.kr

OCTOBER2-4 Palmex Indonesia 2013 Medan, Indonesia www.palmoilexpo.com

3-5 Ildex Indonesia 2013 Jakarta, Indonesia www.ildex.com

13-15 Leman China Swine Conference Xi'an, China www.cvm.umn.edu

13-15 China International Meat Industry Exhibition Qingdao, China www.meat-ims.org

24-26 Livestock Myanmar 2013 Expo & Forum Yangon, Myanmar www.livestockmyanmar.com

NOVEMBER11-14 International Conference on Green Agro-industry (ICGAI) Yogyakarta, Indonesia www.icgai.upnyk.ac.id

19-21 PIPOC 2013 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia www.pipoc.mpob.gov.my

23-24 4th International Conference on Agriculture and Animal Science Phuket, Thailand www.cbees.org

Events 2013


THE FOOD AND Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and the USagricultural department (USDA) have predicted record global outputof cereals and oilseeds in 2013.

The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE)report by the USDA has predicted a record 701.1mn tonnes of cerealproduction for 2013-14 in the September to August cycle, up by45.5mn tonnes over 2012-13.

The prediction has been made despite a seven per cent decline inUS production due to continuing drought and an April freeze. The dipis more than compensated by increases in Asia, EU, Argentina andAustralia. The report predicts consumption of 694mn tonnes, higherthan last year but lower than the 2011-12 record of 696mn tonnes.

In India, the third advance estimates from the government pegsthis year’s wheat output at 93.6mn tonnes, just short of the 2012record. According to FAO data, wheat prices are US$324 per tonne,up 16 per cent from a year ago. However, its own prediction of awheat harvest of 695mn tonnes for the calendar year 2013 hasraised hopes that the prices might ease up.

Rice production was also predicted by USDA to reach a recordlevel of 479.3mn tonnes, up nine million from 2012/13 on the back ofrecord to near-record rice crops in India, Thailand and Vietnam.

Rice consumption, too, will hit a record 476.8mn tonnes, up byone per cent in the last year. China is expected to emerge as theworld’s largest rice importer with an estimated three million tonnespurchased from international markets. India is expected to export 8.5million tonnes rice. Rice prices are averaging US$586 per tonne,about three per cent higher than a year ago, according to FAO data.

Coarse grains are also predicted to hit a new global productionhigh in 2013-14.

Record global cereal output predicted in 2013

S02 FEAG 3 2013 Agenda_Layout 1 01/07/2013 09:48

Food Outlook

Agenda

6

THE FAO FOOD Price Index averaged 215.2points in May 2013, very close to its Aprilvalue of 215.8 points but 10 points (five percent) higher than in May last year. At thatlevel, the index is nearly 10 per cent belowthe peak reached in February 2011. The smalldecline in May was the result of falling dairyand sugar prices, which more than offset anincrease in cereals. Oils and meat pricesremained unchanged.

The FAO Cereal Price Index averaged238.9 points in May, up four points (1.9 percent) from April and nearly 17 points (7.8 percent) above May last year. Last month’sincrease was mostly associated with a strongrebound in maize prices, mostly a reaction totightening export supplies and planting delaysin the United States. By contrast, wheat andrice quotations were largely unchanged fromthe previous month.

The FAO Oils/Fats Price Index averaged199.0 points in May, unchanged from April.While palm oil prices gained strength followinga drop in global inventories from their recent

record-high levels, soy oil values eased furtherreflecting higher than anticipated exportavailabilities in Argentina and the encouragingoutlook for the United States' 2013/14soybean crop. The FAO Dairy Price Indexaveraged 249.8 points in May, a fall of ninepoints (3.5 per cent) from the exceptionallyhigh level recorded in April. Amongst theproducts that make up the index, skimmedmilk powder experienced the sharpest fall (-12.2 per cent), followed by butter (-6.8 percent) and whole milk powder (-6.2 per cent),while the average price of cheddar cheese roseslightly. Supplies of milk products for tradeare still constrained by weather related factorsaffecting milk production in most of the majorexporting countries.

The FAO Meat Price Index averaged 179.3points in May, about the same as in April. Theindex has remained within the narrow band of177–179 points since October 2012. For thedifferent categories of meat which composethe index, poultry prices continued to edgehigher, reaching an all-time high. Prices were

also up for ovine meat, but largely unchangedfor the other meat categories.

The FAO Sugar Price Index averaged250.1 points in May, down 2.6 points (oneper cent) from April. Sugar prices continued tosoften in May, driven by favourable harvestingconditions in Brazil, the world’s largestproducers and exporter, which boosted caneharvest. More generally, the price slide reflectsthe prospect of more abundant global supplies,combined with weaker import demand.


THAILAND AND CAMBODIA are on a path towards the setting up ofa special trade zone that will see the two neighbouring countriesincrease cassava and corn trade. Thai commerce minister Boonsong Teriyapirom revealed recently thatthe fourth Thailand-Cambodia Joint Trade Committee (JTC) meet hasseen both nations content with the expansion of cross-border trade. Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to set an annual trade growthrate of 30 per cent between 2012 and 2015. Last year, trade between both countries expanded by 40.5 per centto US$4.03bn from US$2.86bn in 2011. Boonsong stated Thailand and Cambodia will also set up a newjoint working committee, tasked with the study of theestablishment of a special trade zone for two major agriculturalproducts, cassava and corn. He said that study will cover the entire supply chain for bothproducts and the proposal of the location of the special trade zone. The commerce minister added that another taskforce was also setup to follow up on all steps and report everything to the next JTC

meeting in 2014, which willbe hosted by Thailand.Meanwhile, PiramolCharoenpao, directorgeneral of Department ofTrade Negotiations, saidthe commerce minister willsoon travel to Bhutan tosign a trade cooperationagreement between thetwo countries.

IMPORTS OF CORN by Chinawill surge as much as 85 per centin 2014, fuelled by a delay inplanting and increase indomestic consumption.

The China National Grain andOils Information Center(CNGOIC) has said that China,currently the world’s secondlargest corn consumer, will beexpected to import five milliontonnes in the year startingOctober, nearly double a forecastof 2.7mn for the current year.

CNGOIC’s 2013/14 estimatewas, however, lower than arecord seven million tonnespredicted by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).The USDAfigure was in line with estimates by analysts after the domestic cropwas damaged by mould and wet weather delayed planting.

Although planting has been delayed by about two weeks, China'scorn harvest will be estimated to rise 2.8 per cent in 2013/2014,while annual domestic demand will be expected to grow by an evenfaster 5.2 per cent.

China will be expected to harvest 214mn tonnes of corn, whileconsumption has been projected at 212.63mn tonnes.

China, the world’s top wheat producer is expected to produce oneper cent more wheat this year, with the winter harvest due in Juneseen rising 1.5 per cent to 116.5mn tonnes.

China is currently the world’ssecond largest corn consumer

Thailand and Cambodia to set up tradezone for cassava, corn trade

China corn import to surge 85 per cent in 2014

Thailand and Cambodia have agreed toset an annual trade growth rate of 30 per

cent between 2012 and 2015


7

Agenda

VIETNAM, THE LARGEST grower of robusta beans,

is expected to witness a bumper coffee harvest in

2013 with the country receiving an appropriate

amount of rainfall this year

The robusta beans have a huge demand in

the market with Nestle SA (NESN) using it

majorly in its instant drinks. The production of

the crop is expected to reach highest level in

two years as rain this month ended drought in

the Dak Lak province that represents about 30

per cent of output.

A Bloomberg report claimed that production

may advance 4.9 per cent to 1.5mn metric tonnes

in the 12 months starting October from 1.43mn

tonnes a year earlier. This will be the highest since

a record 1.65mn tonnes in 2011-2012.

The harvest had been forecast to drop as much

as 30 per cent to an eight-year low because of the

drought in Dak Lak province.

While rains in Vietnam have tempered concern

about production losses from the drought, global

supplies of the beans will trail demand this year,

Rabobank International said in a report last month.

Mai Ky Van, deputy director at October Coffee-

Cocoa One Member, said, “There’s regular rain

now, however, without the drought, the crop would

have been bigger."

The National Center for Hydro-Meteorological

Forecasting said in May that the Central Highlands

region, which includes Dak Lak province, may get

more rainfall this month than average. Buon Ma

Thuot, capital of Dak Lak, may receive as much as

300mm (12 inches), compared with the 30-year

average of 226mm, it said.

Vietnam expects bumper coffee harvest in 2013


IN THE FIRST three months of 2013,Vietnam has imported non-processed fishworth a total of US$131mn, a figure thatrepresents an increase of 15 per cent year-on-year, according to data released by theVietnam Association of Seafood Exportersand Producers (VASEP) in cooperation withVietnam Customs.Taiwan and the Association of SoutheastAsian Nations (ASEAN) were Vietnam’smost important exporters of fish, eachmaking up 12.3 per cent of the total valueof Vietnamese imports, at US$16.3mn.Next was the European Union (EU) withnearly 10.8 per cent.Japan, located behind Taiwan, was thesecond exporter country, with shipmentsfor US$12.6mn, equivalent to 9.5 per centof the total value of Vietnamese imports.In third position was India with US$12.2mnworth of seafood supplies. It was followedby Norway, in fourth place, with US$11.9mnand Chile in fifth place with US$8.3mn.Further back was Poland, withUS$7.6mn million and Thailand, inseventh place with US$5mn.South Korea, in eighth place, exportedproducts to Vietnam for US$4.6mn.Indonesia, in the ninth position, exportedproducts worth US$4mn million andEcuador in tenth place with US$4.4mnworth exports.Marine fish species were the mostimported items in terms of value, makingup 48.5 per cent of the whole at US$64mn.

Vietnam raw fish importsup by 15 per cent

Robusta beans have a huge demand inthe market with Nestle SA (NESN)using it majorly in its instant drinks


Agenda

8

PHILIPPINES HAS OUTLINED plans to increase its monthly exports of corn

silage to South Korea.

The Department of Agriculture secretary Proceso J Alcala said recently

that South Korea has requested for an increase in corn silage imports from

the Philippines, from the initial 1,000 metric tonnes per month to 3,000

metric tonnes per month.

The corn silage from the Philippines will be shipped to Incheon and

Busan, Alcala noted.

The agriculture secretary further explained that the department

expects to start shipment of the 3,000 metric tonnes per month corn

silage in June until December this year. He added that the department

has increased its export target for corn silage this year to 45,000 metric

tonnes from 15,000 metric tonnes.

Alcala said that South Korea has agreed to increase imports of corn

silage from the Philippines after its local market responded favourably.

Last week, the department was able to get a reply from South Korean

authorities that the market is satisfied, he added.

Alcala said the department has already allotted an additional 6,000 hectares

of corn plantations to keep up with the increased demand from South Korea.

The Philippines is getting more demand from South Korea because

Manila is in a position to ship corn silage within four days, compared to

Vietnam, which ships imports within six days. Vietnam currently controls 80

per cent of the imported corn silage market in South Korea.

The department, along with corn industry groups, had sent an initial 24

metric tonnes of corn silage bovine feed for cattle and dairy cows to Busan,

South Korea last April. Alcala said exporting corn silage would increase

farmers’ incomes by an average of 20 per cent.

THAILAND HAS RAISED its sugarcane crop forecast for the 2013/14period, which is also expected to boost sugar production in the country. According to a Thai agriculture ministry official, sugarcaneproduction for 2013 and 2014 has been forecast at 105mn tonnes,up nearly two per cent from the previous year.Investment analyst at Phillip Futures Joyce Liu said the increasecould push sugar production above the latest forecast by the Officeof Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) of 9.7mn tonnes. “We will have more sugar in the market, so that will push prices downand increase availability,” added Liu. Office of Agriculture Economy deputy secretary-general SurasakPannop, however, told Reuters that it was too early to forecast sugaroutput and the ministry of agriculture would update the productionforecast of major commodities in the second half of the year.Pannop added, “We need to keep an eye on a possible dry spell inJune-July and if it happens, it could cut sugar content in the caneand we would not have that much sugar.” The recent sugarcane forecast is higher than markets hadexpected and tops the government’s January predictions foroutput of 100mn tonnes.

MYANMAR HAS REVEALED plans to nearly double

its rice exports to three million tonnes by early

next year, selling majorly to newer markets

Myanmar Rice Industry Association central

executive member Soe Tun told Radio Free Asia’s

Myanmar service that Myanmar has plans to

export to several new markets beyond Africa by

the end of the current fiscal year in March 2014.

Myanmar’s rice market was mostly confined to

Africa during decades of international sanctions

against the Southeast Asian nation’s military

regime, which yielded to a reformist government

in 2011. According to commerce minister Win

Myint, “Myanmar expects its rice exports to reach

three million tonnes in the next fiscal year.

“We are now exporting to European countries,

including Russia, Spain, Portugal, and Belgium.

We have exported about 5,000 tonnes to these

countries.”

Myanmar had signed an agreement in March

that led to a shipment of 5,000 tonnes of rice to

Japanese trading house Mitsui earlier in May

2013, its first export of rice to Japan in 45 years.

The deal will also see Japan invest in Burmese

processing plants that will have an annual intake

of 400,000 tonnes of rice.

Soe Tun said Burma had recently set new records

in rice exports, referring to a state media report

which said that the country had exceeded its target

of 1.5mn tonnes in the last fiscal year by about

600,000 tonnes, marking “the highest amount of

rice exported from Myanmar in the last 46 years.”

“Myanmar is now fifth in terms of rice

exports around the world and is now poised to

grow,” he added.

The Southeast Asian nation was the world’s

biggest rice exporter for much of the first half of

the 20th century until it was overtaken by

Thailand in 1962.

Philippines to boost corn silageexports to South Korea

Thailand ups 2013/14 sugarcane forecast

Myanmar to boost rice exports by early 2014


Sugarcane production for 2013 and 2014 has been forecast at 105mn tonnes, up nearly two per cent from the previous year

Exporting more corn silage to South Korea will increase Philippines farmers’ incomes by an average of 20 per cent


9

Livestock Philippines 2013

THE SOUTHEAST ASIAN livestock sector is gearing

up to take part in the Livestock Philippines 2013

expo which will take place from the 7-9 August this

year in Manila.

Organised by the Bureau of Animal Industry,

Department of Agriculture, the exhibition will

showcase the latest products and services in the

livestock sector.

The exhibition will be hosted at the SMX

Convention Centre, Pasay City, Metro Manila.

The event is considered one of the premium

trade event for livestock nutrition, animal health

and production and meat industry.

The event will bring together key decision-

makers including integrators, farmers, feed millers,

manufacturers and traders of feed ingredients,

additives, supplements and premixes, meat and

meat products processors, farm equipment

fabricators and suppliers, slaughterhouse operators,

veterinarians, veterinary drugs and products

manufacturers and other industry stakeholders.

The expo will provide a platform to showcase

state-of-the-art technology, equipment and

machineries, deemed to improve production

efficiency.

It is an apt venue for entrepreneurs to meet,

interact and network with business leaders, major

stakeholders and other industry players. It is also an

occasion for industry professionals, livestock and

poultry producers and raisers to get updates on

issues, trends and challenges confronting the

industry supported by the unveiling of field-tested

technological advances and breakthroughs.

More importantly, it will provide the appropriate

time for business-to-business transactions between

new and existing trade partners.

The theme for this year’s show will be ‘Food

Security through Feeds Safety,’ and it will focus

on providing solutions to the continuing

challenges faced by the livestock and poultry

feeds manufacturers, traders of traditional and

alternative feed ingredients, additives,

supplements.

Co-located with the event will be Feeds

Philippines 2013, an international animal feed,

feed ingredient, additive, supplement and feed

quality control expo and conference.

Southeast Asian livestock industry awaits Livestock Philippines


Livestock Philippines 2013 is expected to provide the appropriate time for business-to-business transactions with new and existing trade partners

S03 FEAG 3 2013 Events_Layout 1 01/07/2013 09:49

Events

10

THE ASIAN SEAFOODExposition, which focuses onfresh, frozen and packagedseafood market, has announcedthat there will be a special stresson premium seafood productswhen the show returns to HongKong this year in September.

Scheduled to take place atthe Hong Kong Convention andExhibition Centre, the industry’ssignature trade event annuallyattracts over 6,000 buyers from50 countries and more than 150exhibiting companies from 25countries, including China,Japan, Korea, Australia, Canadaand the United States.

According to Mary Larkin,vice-president of the seafood expositions at Diversified BusinessCommunications, the organisation that produces the Asian SeafoodExposition, the rationale behind showcasing a greater variety ofpremium seafood this year originates from increasing demand in Chinafor higher value products such as lobster, crab, abalone, scallops,oysters, mussels and caviar.

Ms Larkin said, “Rising wealth and income levels in China are creating

an increasing appetite forpremium seafood products, bothdomestic and imported, which inturn is providing newopportunities for producers andexporters of high-end fish andseafood products.”

Research indicates thatthere is a strong link betweenincome growth and seafoodconsumption. With seafoodculturally considered to be bothhealthy and prestigious on themainland, the Food andAgriculture Organisation (FAO)of the United Nations haspredicted that seafoodconsumption in China is likely torise from the current average

levels of 12kg per person to 36kg by 2020.In addition, China has emerged as the world’s largest exporter of

seafood mainly supplying affordable fish and shellfish to markets such asJapan, Europe and the United States.

In terms of why Hong Kong was selected as the location for this year’sAsian Seafood Exposition, Larkin said that the territory was well-positioned as a re-export centre for seafood products in Asia.

WITH INDONESIACURRENTLY a prominentcrude palm oil producer inthe world with an averageproduction of 23.5mntonnes per year, InaplamAsia, an exclusive expocatering to the palm oilmarket holds a specialsignificance in the Asianplam oil sector.The resounding success of Inapalm 2012, which had attracted 110exhibiting companies from five countries, 4.210 trade visitors and251 conference delegates, had established the show as one of must-visit events every year.The second Indonesia International Palm Oil, Machinery andTechnology Exhibition & Conference 2013 is scheduled to take placeform 2 – 4 July 2013 at Labersa Convention Centre, Sumatera andholds promises of repeating the success of its glorious first year.It is identified as the largest international trade event in Riau for palmmachinery and technology. The exhibitors can get an opportunity toboost sales and gain exposure as well as meet key decision makersand potential buyers.The show this year will be expanded to wider scale to generate morevisitors. It will showcase the latest palm oil processing machines,parts and palm oil processing results. The event will offer a great opportunity to build a business to networkwith both the local and the overseas palm oil industry and otherrelated industries right on the spot.

INTERNATIONAL FRESH FRUIT and vegetable business expo AsiaFruit Logistica is scheduled to take place in Hong Kong from 4-6September 2013.

The show had attracted 341 exhibitors from 30 different countriesand at least 5,700 top decision-makers in 2012.

The expo is expected to provide an overview of the market and anopportunity to make important business contacts.

Asia Fruit Logistica takes place together with the Asiafruit Congressand combines the experience of Fruit Logistica, a leading fresh produceexhibition, with Asia’s top international conference event.

It offers an ideal opportunity to extend one’s knowledge of theAsian markets.

It is one of the prominent fresh produce business conference forthe Asia-Pacific region. Organised by Asiafruit Magazine, it isexpected to attract some 600 top decision-makers from all over theworld at this year’s show.

The Congress and the exhibition are the only trade events in Asiafocused on the fresh fruit and vegetable business covering the whole.

Seafood expo to focus on premium seafood products

Inapalm to showcase the latest inpalm oil sector

Asia Fruit Logistica promisesnew trade opportunities


The reason behind showcas-ing the greater variety of

premium seafood this yearoriginates from increasing

demand in China


INDO LIVESTOCK EXPO was held recently atthe Bali Nusa Dua Convention Centre inBali, Indonesia. The event saw trade buyers representing

integrators, farmers, feed millers, meat and eggprocessors, retailers, veterinarians, importersand distributors come together to view thelatest technology, update on the latest issues,network and to further business opportunities.

The three-day exhibition also witnessed364 exhibitors from 36 countries in theeight edition of the expo.

PT Napindo Media Ashatama was theorganiser and the event was hosted by theDirectorate General of Livestock and AnimalHealth, Ministry of Agriculture of the Republicof Indonesia. The forum saw 8,200professional visitors in attendance.

Bali, which has a tremendous potential asa strategic location for meetings, conventionsand exhibitions, also serves as the main gatefor entering the market of eastern Indonesia.

The opening ceremony was attended byminister of agriculture, Republic of Indonesia;head of Bali Provincial Industry and Tradedepartment; head of Bali Provincial Livestockand Animal Health department; representativeof Coordinating Ministry for People’s Welfare;chairman of Indonesia Livestock Associations;representative of embassy of foreign countriesin Indonesia; winners of Indonesian LivestockServices awards, amongst others.

The expo witnessed SDTI (Milk, Meat, Egg& Fish) programme to support the campaignfor the increasing of animal protein andIndonesian farming products consumption. Thecampaign aimed to educate and increasepeople awareness of the importance of animalprotein, particularly for people who lack theunderstanding about animal proteinconsumption.

The SDTI programme comprised of site visitto kindergarten Prema Santhi Bali to campaignthe importance of animal protein in two weeks,

the result of which have been evaluated.A talk show with theme on myths about

nutrition was organised with the speaker fromRepresentative of Coordinating Ministry forPeople’s Welfare. Amin Fa, S.Psi., CTL, CH,Cht. CI (CEO of Aminfa Institute), spoke aboutdiscovering the potential for developing identity

The Indonesian Livestock Services Awardsceremony was also held whereby awards weregiven to districts based on creative programme,the involvement level of farmers and

communities, the impact of the programme aswell as its sustainability. Some of the districtsto win were Sumbawa (represented the Middlearea), South Lampung (represented theWestern area) and Bone (represented theEastern area).

For more information on livestock subjectmatters, seminars were held by Ministry ofAgriculture, who spoke on food security.FORMAT (Livestock Media Forum) discussedopportunity and challenge investment in thefield of livestock. A seminar by MKTI(Indonesia Animal Welfare Society) was heldon livestock transportation system principledfor Animal welfare. Food and AgricultureOrganisation (FAO) too conducted sessions.

Indo Livestock Expo & Forum is the aptplatform for enhancing business cooperation inIndonesia and the Asia-Pacific region. nn

Indo Livestock Expo 2013

11

Indo Livestock Expo in Baliwitnesses success galoreThe eight edition held in theIndonesian province was amix of trade event andseminars, which benefittedbusinessmen as well asvisitors

The 2013 chapter of Indo Livestock Expo saw8,200 professional visitors in attendance


Indo Livestock Expo &Forum is the apt platform

for enhancing businesscooperation in Indonesia

and the Asia-Pacific region


Events

12

THE NINTH INTERNATIONAL Vegetarian and

Organic Food Festival was organised recently in

Taipei, featuring more than 600 booths.

Held at Taipei World Trade Center’s Exhibition

Hall 1, the festival was hosted by the Merit Times

and co-sponsored by the Environmental

Protection Administration (EPA), the Council of

Agriculture and other agencies.

The themes of this year’s event included

India, organic agriculture, environmental

protection, cross-strait tea culture, vegetarian

caterpillar fungus (Cordyceps militaris),

vegetarian dog food, prayer beads and local

agricultural products.

A special feature this year was the India

pavilion, which was co-sponsored by the India-

Taipei Association and exhibited Indian cuisine,

masala tea, coffee and agricultural products.

Hsiao Hui-chuan, the director-general of the

EPA’s department of supervision evaluation and

dispute resolution, said that the eco-friendly

lifestyle the EPA wants to promote is about

“saving resources and only buying products that

are environmental friendly.”

THE SECOND INTO Myanmar AgriTrade, Investments & Technology Global Summit was held recently in Yangon.

It also featured a special optional conference on Myanmar’s Livestock, Feed & Food Processing Opportunities

in the capital city.

This summit provided networking opportunity with key existing & new players from Myanmar’s rice, pulses,

edible oil, seeds, sugar, rubber, fertilizer, farm equipment, downstream food processing, canning and packaging

and other agricultural sectors, bankers, commodity traders and animal feeds companies & senior government

decision-makers.

Agricultural and farm development is the priority in Myanmar government's development policy. With 70

per cent of its population living in the rural areas, the agricultural sector remains a major source of income for

the country. The Myanmar government, under President Thein Sein’s leadership, was seeking to promote more

growth and stability for the agricultural sector — not just for the dominant rice sector but also for other cash

and industrial crops as well as the livestock sector, government sources said.

The summit’s wide-ranging and complete coverage of Myanmar’s agricultural activities provided the

strategic platform where buyers, sellers, brokers, farm owners, bankers, insurers, region & township farming

leaders met with the world's top agri traders, investors and agricultural experts.

In addition, downstream food processing, canning and packaging entrepreneurs also sought new overseas

markets and learn from some of the leading international food marketing and buying companies.

A new Foreign Investment Act was passed in 2012, providing incentives and protection for foreign

investments into the country. New by-laws, including for the agricultural sector and on investment in

agricultural land, once these are passed, are expected to provide more clarity and confidence to the

foreign investor.

With more investments in post-harvest activities, better quality rice with competitive prices will be exported.

Countries such as the US, Japan, Korea, India, China, Taiwan, Israel, the Netherlands, Belarus have undertaken

to transfer relevant farm and crop technologies to Myanmar farms, improving productivity and efficiency.

At the same time, new markets such as Japan, Korea, Russia and the Middle East are being sought for

Myanmar farm produce.

THAILAND’S DEPARTMENT OF ForeignTrade, Ministry of Commerce, recentlyorganised Thailand Rice Convention (TRC)2013 at International Convention andExhibition Centre in Chiang Mai.With an objective of “Pushing ASEANtowards the World’s Rice Hub”, the eventhad the participation of over 500 delegatesfrom 40 countries. These participants included official traderepresentatives from rice producing andexporting countries, rice importers andtraders, academics and experts specialised inrice production and trade from the host nationand others.The convention provided a platform for bothsellers, buyers and distributors to cometogether to discuss advancements in theproduction, trade and development of theThai rice industry. Variety such as ‘Thung KulaRonghai’ jasmine rice, Asia’s first rice toreceive recognition of its geographical tag wasdiscussed. Talks were also held on organicrice being researched at Maejo University,which has been certified for product qualityand has gained international recognition. The country is now recognised as the world’spremier rice producer as well as regional andglobal hub of rice trade. The objective of the TRC 2013 was to

organise an international academicconvention about rice as an internationalproduct, with participants fromgovernment and private sectors fromThailand and overseas — all the keyplayers, decision-makers and trend-settersin the global rice trade. The event also brought to fore Thailand’sacknowledged status as the world’s leadingexporter of quality rice.It provided a meeting ground for players in therice trade to share and exchange instrumentalinformation and beneficial commentspertaining to the development of the industry,as well as to foster closer relationshipsbetween rice importers and exporters thatlead to more concrete and mutually beneficial

trade deals in this staple food grain.TRC 2013 also conveyed the Thaigovernment’s intention to improve financialstability and quality of life for its ricegrowers, which eventually leads to theadded value of rice products andsustainability of the supply chain.Speaking at the event, Dr Olarn Chaipravat,president of Thailand Trade Representativeand advisor to the Thai Prime Minister, said,“The rice demand-supply structure ischanging in the world and added thatThailand should adopt new strategies to copewith new challenges.” He outlined four broad marketing strategiesto boost rice exports: improve quality of rice;promote specialty rice and branding;develop niche markets; and enhanceregional cooperation.TRC 2013 also presented the quality andcapability of Thai rice to fulfil the current needsof consumers, whose decisions areincreasingly dictated by the health benefitsderived from food. Exhibits include organicrice, pigmented rice (Riceberry) and non-pigmented rice (Sinlek), all of which are high intherapeutic value. The exhibition also included numerousvarieties of Thai rice from sources all overthe country.

Thailand was the world’s largest rice exporter in 2011

Myanmar expo cashes on crops Taipei hosts organicfood fest

Thailand Rice Convention 2013 highlights country’s producing, marketing capabilities



Livestock

13

PROPER FEED RATION and clean water supply are the keyingredients to ensure proper health of the flock. Avian nutritionistsand feed formulators around the world are continuing to make

huge strides on behalf of poultry producers through the continualrefinement of feed specifications for better flock health. Feedcompounders go to great lengths to see that commercial feed rationscontain correct levels and proportions of nutrients to ensure consistentlyhigh economic poultry production.

Benefits from improvements in pellet quality are now well-establishedwith trials conducted by Aviagen showing quite clearly that for every 10per cent increase in the proportion of fines (defined as feed particlessmaller than 1mm), there is a corresponding reduction of 40 gm in thelive-weight of birds at 35 days.

However, all these high-spec refinements in feed content and pelletformulation are of limited consequence unless producers physicallyhandle feed and water inputs in the most common-sense and economicway to get the most out of them.

Feed pellet breakdownInputs made at the mill to improve feed pellet quality will be lost if on-farm feed management is poor. Pellet breakdown commonly occurs if thefeed is blown from the delivery lorry and into the feed bin. Pelletbreakdown at this point can be minimised by maintaining the feed pipefull of feed as possible and the discharge speed corresponding low. An

appropriately low speed can be achieved by maintaining an enginespeed of between 1,300rpm and 1,500rpm with a pressure of nine psifor meal and seven psi for pellets.

However, care must be taken not to maintain the discharge ratetoo low and slow because the risk of pipe blockage becomesgreater and with blockage invariably comes an increase in the rateof pellet breakdown.

Practical feed and watermanagement for broilersCareful consideration of feed componentsand hygiene is essential to ensure that poultryproducers reap full benefit from feedmanagement efforts


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Livestock

14

Poultry producers should also try to minimise the distance that thefeed has to travel between the delivery lorry and the feed bin. It is clearlyan important consideration when planning new units or renovatingexisting ones. There should be no holes in the pipe itself because thiswill require an increase in the pressure at which the feed is dischargedand therefore result in even more wasted feed.

On-farm feed storageFeed consignments and stocks are more easily, economically and safelymanaged by having two storage bins per poultry house. This systempermits an entire consignment of feed to be depleted at one time thusensuring the correct type of feed is being fed and that withdrawal timesare met. It is perfectly possible to manage feed by utilising a single binbut it is less desirable with greater care required.

Bulk storage bins should be designed, constructed and sited toprotect feed contents from rain to avoid feed from becoming wet, dampand mouldy. Mouldy feed poses clear and direct risks to poultry healththrough production of mycotoxins by fungal moulds growing on the feedgrain or finished feed. In addition, it will almost certainly lead tosignificant logistical, practical and hygiene problems from feed sticking tothe side of the bin and blocking the flow of feed through the feeders.

Vermins, rodents and wild birds are a potentially big factors in onfarm feed loss, significantly reducing the amount available andreducing quality through contamination. Storage bins should designedso that vermin cannot enter with regular inspection and cleaningcarried out as a matter of course. If feed storage in bags isunavoidable, the bags should be kept off the floor using raised palletsto prevent them absorbing moisture from the floor and to providesome protection from rodents.

At the end of the poultry crop cycle, producers should removeunused feed and store it in a secure and hygienic manner. Safe and easymanagement of remaining feed at the end of poultry crop cycle is mucheasier and straightforward when the house is furnished with dual feedbins. When only one bin is available the need to transfer leftover feed to

a single storage bin makes feed management that more difficult, whileuse of a sucker/blower to move the residual feed will additionallyincrease pellet-breakdown.

Care must also be taken to ensure that conditions in the holding areawhere leftover feed may have to be bagged off and stored do not causefeed deterioration or contamination. This includes degradation of protein,vitamin and mineral components or high temperature and humiditywhich may promote the growth of mycotoxin producing mould fungi.Correctly stored feed will generally remain in a useable condition for upto several months.

Focus on feedersFeeder provision recommendations are one pan for every 65 birds or2.5cm of track per bird. However, if feed contains a high proportion offines and is dusty these standard levels may not be adequate at peakdemand. This is because poor feed quality increases the time the birdstake to eat and therefore places greater pressure on the feeding system.Feeding space should be adjusted upwards accordingly.

Feed and water consumption and the feed to water ratio, should bemonitored on a daily basis. Any deviations from expected levels of waterconsumption should be considered, investigated and acted uponbecause this may be the first indication of a potentially serious problem.

Breakdowns in the feeder system are a much more commonoccurrence than running out of feed. So, it is important that the systemis well-maintained and any worn components are promptly replaced.The feeder line must be kept level (including corners of the tracks), withno bowing, to prevent augers from kinking.

Track and pan feedersTrack feeders should only run when required to fill the feeding systemsand it is good practice to allow the birds to eat up all the presented feed.Systems that run too frequently damage pellet structure leading toexcessive waste. Good practice also includes running the chain whenyou can see the bottom of the track and not to have too much feed inthe track. Managing the track and chain in this way can improve feedconversion by at least five points.

Good practice for pan feeders includes feeders running only a fewtimes per day until consumption is sufficiently high for regular running.This strategy reduces the risk of one line running empty for long periods


Vermins, rodents and wild birds are a potentially big factors in on farm

feed loss, significantly reducing the amount available and reducing

quality through contamination

After the first seven days of feeding, producers are advised to have at least one period per day when the birds are allowed to clear up

completely before receiving new feed

Storage bins should designed so that vermin cannot enter and regular inspection has to be carried out from time to time


of time. Number of times the feeders are on per day and the length oftime they run for will clearly need to be increased as broilers age with acorresponding increase in feed consumption.

After the first seven days of feeding and irrespective of feedingsystem used, producers are advised to have at least one period perday when the birds are allowed to clear up completely beforereceiving new feed. This should occur at the same time every day.This avoids the build-up of fines and avoids the accumulation ofcoccidistats which could be consumed in excess amounts within awithdrawal period shortly before slaughter.

Good ways with waterWater should be stored in a light-proof tank to prevent the formation ofcontaminating green algae. Water sourced from boreholes should befiltered to prevent the accumulation of sediment and where necessarytreated with a water softener.

Mineral content of water and how this may affect the flock birds mustbe considered. All water supplies should be tested on a regular basis formicrobial load and mineral content and necessary action taken inresponse to the test results received.

Water should be provided at all times during natural daylight andwhen the lights are on. Water storage capacity must be sufficient tosupply peak demand for water which occurs when the lights come on.

Any reductions in water flow to the drinkers will be reflected indecreased growth of birds. As a general ‘rule of thumb’ calculate flow rate inml as (weeks of age x 7) + 20ml/min. Meeting the needs of the birds witha consistently sound programme is the key to success, irrespective of the‘nuts and bolts’ of the feeding and watering system used. nn

By Dr Terry Mabbett

Livestock

15www.fareasternagriculture.com | FAR EASTERN AGRICULTURE Issue Three 2013

Water should be provided at all times during natural daylight and

when the lights are on. All water suppliesshould be tested on a regular basis

for microbial load and mineral contentand necessary action taken in response

to the test results received

Mineral content of water and how this may affect the flock birds is an important consideration in poultry feed management

CARGILL INDONESIA HAS announced a poultry farmingmentorship programme to provide hands-on training to high schoolstudents willing to take up a career in the poultry sector.

As part of the three-month long programme launched in May2013, Cargill has donated a teaching farm stocked with 500local Ayam Kampung Super (AKAS) day-old chickens.

Students from Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) AgriInsani, a vocational school in Indonesia, will be the first tobenefit from a 90-day programme on how to develop andmanage poultry farms.

The farm is fully-equipped with tools including eating and drinkingcontainers, temperature-controlled chicken cages and Cargill-supplied chicken feed.

During the programme, students will be mentored on how to raisethe local chickens from hatchlings till they are harvest-ready.Students are also tutored in farm business management, where theylearn skills such as profit and loss calculation, feed efficiency andcapital management.

Cargill Feed and Nutrition Indonesia managing director AkkaritBoontawee, said, “Our intent is to support Indonesia’s smallholderfarmers by helping to improve the efficiency and effectiveness offarming practices. Every year, we at Cargill Feed and NutritionIndonesia commit one per cent of our annual earnings towardssmallholder farmer training and rural development programmes togive back to the communities where we live, work and do business.

“We hope that by training the students in the techniques ofmodern breeding, they will leave the programme well-equipped tosupport and contribute towards the growth of Indonesia’s chickenfarming industry.”

Cargill launches poultry farmingtraining in Indonesia


Livestock

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WITH A GROWING focus on automation and newly developedhigh-tech housing materials, sow and piglet housing is becomingmore high-tech. Environmental regulations, animal welfare

policies, consumer demands, labour costs and evolving pig genetics aredriving change. These pig housing advancement are likely to shape thefuture of pig accommodations in other regions, as well. Some of the aspectsthat are considered before setting up a high-tech pig housing today are:

Eliminating odour, ammoniaAs far as the environment is concerned, the managing director of BigDutchman Pig Equipment, Magnus Westerkamp, commented the goal toeliminate odour and ammonia emissions and reduce the release of othergreenhouse gases is forcing companies to develop new ventilationsystems for pig producers. They are also looking at new materials tomeet the latest fire protection regulations.

Westerkamp also said new-style accommodation will be needed toprovide pigs with more space in all stages of growth to meet futureanimal welfare and consumer demands, as well as changes in piggenetics, particularly future sows bred to produce more piglets.

He said, “These sows and piglets will all have to be handled easily,which will have an effect on the sort of equipment and the type ofhousing that are used in the future.

“We are also going to need better solutions for pig manure handlingin future. This is a huge environmental problem that has to be solved.We believe that in future, slurry will be used close to where it isproduced and farmers will not be allowed to transport it over longdistances. It will have to be separated and solid parts used to producebiogas, or palletised. We have to find a solution for this.”

Westerkamp commented that bigger pig farms of the future wouldneed new equipment to collect data from all areas of production so theycould provide statistics to satisfy future abattoir, processor and retailerdemands for a farm-to-fork trail.

Farm labour costs“Pig producers should start planning future investments to include newbuildings with high-tech equipment now, so they stay on top of all thechanges that are likely to come and enjoy future prosperity.”

High-tech pig housing may not decrease farm labour costs. Whilethere might be fewer workers on pig farms because of increasedautomation and computer controlled programs, the workers will have tobe highly-skilled technicians to master the complex machinery.

Westerkamp is expecting to see a big revolution in pig equipment overthe next few years. He predicts that some small pig farmers are likely toquit in future, because they don’t have enough money to invest inequipment and housing to meet these new demands. On the other hand,many medium-sized pig producers are waiting to see what happens.Medium-sized pig farmers could all be in for some surprises, accordingto British Pig executive, environment programme manager, NigelPenlington. “It’s time to start designing pig farms for the technology wehave today – and expect for tomorrow – rather than try to fit modernequipment into existing farms.”

Environmental regulations, animal welfarepolicies, consumer demands, labour costsand evolving pig genetics are drivingchanges to pig housing methods

Pig housing becomingautomated

New-style accommodations are needed to provide pigs with more space inall stages of growth to meet future animal welfare and consumer demands

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Livestock

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This includes using modern materials and construction techniques todeliver more sustainable and affordable pig buildings that are designedand built at the factory to accommodate the equipment and technologyneeded to meet high welfare and health needs of pigs and their keepers.

These pig units also must use resources with maximum efficiency andprotect the environment, a step beyond the pre-fabricated techniques,considered by some to be “revolutionary” in the past.

Penlington said, “Pig industry should consider rectangular wallsinstead of straight ones to improve air flow with rounded corners toaid cleaning and avoid dirt traps. Walls and floors should be madefrom or coated with low-adhesion materials, or with special coatingsto reduce ammonia and self-sterilise. The roofs could be shaped tooptimise air flow.”

Robotic pigpenPenlington even suggests a robotic “pig pen friend” to perform stockhusbandry functions, including keeping walls and floors clean,monitoring and cleaning feeders and drinkers, monitoring the building’satmosphere, recording pig growth and health, providing interest for thepigs and sounding alarms when necessary.

All the information this robot collects could be relayed to asmart phone or tablet so pig producers could see what washappening in the unit, he explained. As far as energy is concerned,Penlington suggested that modern pig buildings should have solarthermal panels to provide hot water.

He noted, “They should also have solar PV panels to generateelectricity and ground source heat pumps for heating and coolingbuildings and floors for pig comfort and optimum lying and dungingbehaviour.” He also recommended a wind turbine to generate electricity.Renewable energy is the way forward, if the location andconditions are right, because it enables pig producers to fix theirenergy costs, as well as earn some extra cash by selling excesspower to the National Grid.

Both Penlington and Westerkamp urge large pig producers to startplanning their future investments to include the construction of newbuildings with modern, high-tech equipment now, so they stay on top ofall the changes that are likely to come and enjoy future prosperity. nn

Roger Abbott/Wattagnet

Modern materials and construction techniques are needed to delivermore sustainable and affordable pig buildings

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STUDY CONDUCTED BY a US-based university has revealed thathog producers should use proper biosecurity practices to reducethe risk of animals becoming infected with porcine epidemicdiarrhoea virus (PEDV).

A veterinary resident from the University of Missouri, JoshSchaeffer said that PEDV is similar to transmissible gastroenteritisvirus and causes diarrhoea and vomiting in pigs.

It is a swine-only disease and poses no threat to public health orfood safety, but it could be a big problem for hog producers,Schaeffer added.

PEDV is not a new virus. It was first identifies in Great Britain in1971 and has been endemic in Asia for more than 30 years.The firstUS case was diagnosed in May and so far PEDV has beenconfirmed in several US states.

“These cases have popped up roughly at the same time, so webelieve these pigs were exposed to something that had the virus init at relatively the same point in time,” said Schaeffer.

Vaccines for PEDV have seen mixed results in Asia. Schaeffernoted that biosecurity is the best way to prevent infection.

Standard biosecurity practices in the swine industry includerequiring workers and visitors to shower and clean coveralls andboots before coming into contact with pigs, and taking steps toreduce the risk that an infection in one group of hogs will spread toanother group.

Biosecutiry measures to stophog diarrhoea

Pig industry should consider rectangularwalls instead of straight ones to improve

air flow with rounded corners to aid cleaning and avoid dirt traps


FEED CONTAMINATION CAN cause immense damage to thelivestock production process. It is always better to be sure of wherethe feed minerals are sourced from and whether trace mineral

supplement contamination is a possibility. The feed stock recalls afterdetection of contamination can cause severe losses.

A study by AMR Research, a US-based international research firm,has shown that recalls are more common and costly than expected,expenses often exceed US$10mn per recall, with companies losing twicethat much.

An effective traceability system can make many of these recallsavoidable. Safeguarding the quality of ingredients in animal feed istherefore essential in ensuring food safety.

Trace mineral contaminantsIn recent years, contamination of trace mineral supplements has beencausing more frequent problems across borders. China is a majorsupplier of inorganic minerals to the animal nutrition sector. Recently,trace elements shipped from China, including sources of zinc, copper

and manganese, have been included in a list of products that are subjectto enhanced checks before being allowed to enter the European Union.Cadmium and lead contamination have been identified as the potentialhazards in these shipments.

Dioxin is a general term for a large group of fat soluble organo-chlorine compounds, the polychlorinated dibenzodioxins anddibenzofurans, about 30 of which are significantly toxic. Dioxins canpotentially be formed whenever organic compounds, chlorine and hightemperatures are involved. Common sources include volcanic eruptions,forest fires, exhaust emissions, incinerators and in the manufacturing ofchemicals, pesticides and paints. Dioxins can also be formed during theprocessing of inorganic minerals. Metals, especially copper, can act ascatalysts in dioxin formation.

Dioxins are termed “persistent organic pollutants” because they arevery stable, resisting physical and biological breakdown to remain in theenvironment for long periods of time. Dioxins are known teratogens,mutagens and carcinogens in humans and animals.

The difference in PCBsPCBs, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, differ from dioxins in thatthey are intentionally produced for the manufacture of transformers, inks,plasticisers, lubricants and building materials. PCBs are present ininorganic trace mineral sources due to the recycling of metal sources,such as copper wiring. At least 70 per cent of copper sulphate isproduced from renewable sources. PCBs are also a known carcinogen inhumans and animals. In recent years, contamination of trace mineralsupplements has been causing more frequent problems across borders.

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Trace mineral contamination of feedsupplements has been causing frequentanimal health problems across the globe. It isessential to know the source of minerals toensure feed safety

Avoiding feed ingredientcontamination

Avoiding feed contamination is a must for ensuring feed quality andeconomic and healthy animal production process

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S05 FEAG 3 2013 Livestock_Layout 1 01/07/2013 09:51

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Heavy metals are a concern because they can enter the soil resultingin the contamination of inorganic trace mineral sources and can entergroundwater as a pollutant. Mercury, lead, cadmium and arsenic cancause neurological signs in livestock such as blindness, anemia, soft-shelled eggs, kidney and renal damage, and sudden death.

The use of mined versus recycled minerals has also been debated,however, both have had negative implications. Mined minerals tend tobe higher in heavy metal contamination, and the mining process cancause contamination with dioxins and PCBs. Dioxins can also be formedduring recycling and often materials such as PVC coating are notremoved during the process of recycling.

A global issueDioxins, PCBs and heavy metals are a global issue. In December 2008,pork in Ireland was found to be tainted with dioxin contamination,resulting in the product being pulled from 24 countries. In July 2011,Belgian food safety officials found a 138-tonne consignment of feedgrade copper sulfate imported from Romania with higher than permittedpresence of dioxin. In January of 2013, China’s State Council publiciseda circular on soil pollution that sets out a plan to contain the increasinglysevere problem by 2015. For heavy metal alone, experts estimate thecountry’s pollution results in the loss of 10mn metric tonnes of grain andthe contamination of another 12mn metric tonnes annually.

In 2010, Alltech conducted a survey of more than 300 samples ofvarious inorganic minerals, premixes, organic minerals and completefeeds from different countries in Asia. The test for heavy metals lead,arsenic and cadmium was determined using an Inductively CoupledPlasma Optical Emission Spectrometry at the Alltech China facility.Results showed contamination from eight to 67 per cent. Overall, 19 percent of all samples were contaminated with at least one heavy metal(lead, arsenic and cadmium).

Quality control checkThe risk of contamination associated with inorganic minerals is aconcern for manufacturers of all mineral supplement forms becauseinorganic mineral sources are used to manufacture organic mineralproducts. Besides contamination issues, many feed mills are turning toorganic minerals to limit their impact on the environment. Growingawareness of the environmental pollution caused by those unused traceminerals has led to concern and even new legislation in parts of theworld controlling trace minerals in feed and manure levels.

Quality control has to be at the top of each feed mill’s list whenchoosing trace minerals. As a result of past and current food crises,animal feed is an important area that affects the integrity and safety ofthe food chain. In addition, legislation concerning the production of feed

is getting stricter. Routine analysis of feed and food ingredients and theassurance of equally high standards of quality and transparency fromsuppliers will continue to be critical in a global ingredient market toprotect the food chain from contaminants such as dioxins, heavy metalsand PCBs. nn

Roger Scaletti/Wattagnet

China is a major supplier of inorganic minerals to the animal nutrition sector


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Livestock

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ANIMAL HEALTH SOLUTION provider Alltechwill launch a new mineral managementprogramme that will help its customers feedfewer organic trace minerals to their livestockand get optimal performance results. Alltech’s Total Replacement Technologyproject was launched recently to the swinemarket at the World Pork Expo.The company recently formed a globalmineral management team to focus onproviding solutions and support whileintroducing a modern nutrition application. A company statement said, “By creating anetwork of mineral consultants andresearchers around the world, Alltech hasdelivered a technology that can addressnutritional and environmental mineralconcerns.” This approach encompasses all of thecompany’s efforts to redefine organic tracemineral nutrition by educating the feedindustry about Total Replacement Technologyand to no longer address single mineral-related issues but overall mineral nutritionchallenges.Alltech global director of the mineralmanagement division Steve Elliott said,“Minerals are Alltech’s top selling productdivision and now we have dedicated an entireteam to the value-added programme.“We want to set the tone for the industry andrevolutionise the way organic trace minerals

are supplemented into an animal’s diet.”With new environmental feeding regulationsbeing put in place each year, the TotalReplacement Technology project strives toprovide a secure source of organic traceminerals that are contaminant-free and safefor the environment. The latest research shows producers can feedsubstantially less organic trace minerals thaninorganic and get a similar, if not better,performance in the swine barns.Elliott said, “Research has shown that if hogsare overfed inorganic trace minerals, they do

not perform with optimal productivity. “Feeding a pig exactly what it needs withorganic trace minerals, will result in enhancedefficiency and less mineral excretion.”The new mineral management program hasjoined a list of Alltech On-Farm supportservices which have proved to be beneficialfor the feed industry earlier. The companycurrently provides workshops and training foremployees, nutritional advisory services, 37+Mycotoxin analyses, TrueCheck in vitroscreening, quality control checks and manyother services to support the industry.

THE GLOBAL FEED enzyme market is a fast growing segment ofthe feed additives market, according to a new report.

Feed additives have now become an essential part of globally-increasing meat production industry value chain, according to anew market report from Market and Markets. Most of the feedadditives are used in micro quantities in the form of injectable,pellets, liquids and powders.

There are variety of feed additives available that are used indifferent quantities and concentrations depending upon the typeof animal and feed.

Nutritional feed additives are amino acids, minerals andvitamins that provide essential nutrition to the animal in order togain lean meat and higher muscle mass at a faster rate.

Non-nutritional feed additives protect animal against diseases,improve its digestive system, aid in reproduction, and reducephosphate content in the livestock waste. Antibiotics, hormones,probiotics, prebiotics and enzymes are few of the major non-nutritive feed additives. The global feed enzyme market is a fastgrowing segment of the feed additives market.

The report estimates the market size of the global feedenzyme market in terms of value and volume. It studies themarket in various regions and key countries from each region.Market drivers, restraints and opportunities are discussed indetail for the same.

Increasing population trends support the meat market globally,hence leading to a growth in the demand for feed enzymes. Non-starchpolysaccharide enzymes (NSP) dominate the market share in terms ofvalue. Protease enzyme shows promising growth across all regions,with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2 per cent from 2013to 2018. Growing meat consumption in Asian subcontinent createsresultant demand for poultry and pig meat and in turn for NSP andphytase enzymes.

Feed enzymes accelerate the biochemical reactions in animals inorder to support life. These enzymes are added to pig, poultry, cattleand aquaculture to enhance the production efficiency. The majorfunction of feed enzymes is to increase the digestibility of animals, likephytase is used in the animal feed to break down the protein consumedby the animals which enhances their digestibility.

Some enzymes improve the fat absorption and starch digestibilitythat adds to the well-being of animals and reduces the mortality. Pigfeed segment dominated the market share and is projected to grow ata healthy CAGR of 7.5 per cent. In terms of volume, poultry feeddominated the market scenario with a 44.0 per cent share in 2012.

High rate of adoption of phytase by manufacturers drives the NorthAmerican market to grow at a healthy CAGR of 7.1 per cent from 2013to 2018. Developing economies of Asia-Pacific such as India andChina drives the regional market. Brazilian animal feed productiondrives the market for feed enzymes in Rest of the World (ROW).

Mineral management to boost animal performance

Feed enzyme market fast growing, says report


Research has shown that if hogs areoverfed inorganic trace minerals, they donot perform with optimal productivity



A DUCK GENOME study has shed new lighton ways to understand and combat thedeadly bird flu virus. Fighting bird flueffectively has been a top priority in 2013after the outbreak of the deadly virus inChina earlier this year.Scientists from China AgriculturalUniversity, Beijing Genomics Institute,University of Edinburgh and other instituteshave recently completed a genomesequencing and analysis of a duck species,Anas platyrhynchos, which was a principalnatural host of influenza A viruses thatcaused a new epidemic in China since inFebruary this year.The work has revealed some noteworthyconclusions and has provided an invaluableresource for unravelling the interactivemechanisms between the host andinfluenza viruses.As a natural host of influenza A viruses(including H5N1), the duck is known to oftenremain asymptomatic under influenzainfection. To uncover the interactivemechanisms between the host and influenza

viruses, researchers sequenced the genomeof a 10-week-old female Beijing duck, andconducted transcriptomic studies on twovirus-infected ducks.

This work yielded the draft sequence of awaterfowl-duck for the first time, and thedata indicated that the duck, like the chickenand zebra finch, possessed a contractiveimmune gene repertoire comparing to thosein mammals, and it also comprises novelgenes that are not present in the other threebirds (chicken, zebra finch and turkey).By comparing gene expression in the lungsof ducks infected with either highly orweakly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1viruses, the team identified genes whoseexpression patterns were altered inresponse to avian influenza viruses. They also identified factors that may beinvolved in duck host immune response toavian virus infection, including the avian andmammalian -defensin gene families.Jianwen Li, project manager from BGI, said,“This study provides very important data tobetter understand the interaction betweenthe host and the avian influenza. Scientistswill be able to explore more deeply themechanisms on the spread and infection ofavian influenza.”

Genome sequencing of duck species for understanding bird flu better

Duck species, Anas platyrhynchos,was a principal natural host of influenza A

viruses that caused a new epidemic in China in February 2013

A MAJOR PLACE where crosscontamination of poultryproducts can easily take placeis in the processing plant. It isof great importance tominimise such microbialcontamination, especially inrelation to any foodbornepathogens, such assalmonella.

The salmonella status ofbroiler flocks should be monitored from an early stage. If nonethelesssalmonella is found, positive flocks should be processed separately,usually at the end of the shift. The equipment and the processingenvironment are then cleaned and suitably sanitised before the nextflock is processed.

Due to the nature of the process and the high speed at whichfinished carcasses are often produced, it is not possible to entirelyprevent the spread of any salmonellas that may be introduced by in-coming birds. Cross-contamination of carcasses can occur viacontaminated equipment. Some equipment are prone to harbouringsalmonellas, for example defeathering machines. This requires specialattention in cleaning and disinfection.

Also process water, aerosols and the hands of personnel areimportant sources.

Product contamination can be minimised by the application ofhazard control principles, in conjunction with good manufacturingpractices and use of standard operating procedures for plant cleaningand disinfection. These systems involve appropriate training andsupervision of staff.

Cross-contamination of carcasses canoccur via contaminated equipment

Keeping poultry processing plant salmonella free

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22 FAR EASTERN AGRICULTURE Issue Three 2013 | www.fareasternagriculture.com

INDONESIA AND FAO will strengthen cooperation in the field of marineaffairs, fisheries and aquaculture as part of an agreement that wassigned recently in Jakarta.The three-year agreement, which sets up a framework for future jointactivities in those sectors, was signed by Indonesian minister of marineaffairs and fisheries Sharif C Sutardjo and FAO director-general JoséGraziano da Silva. As part of the agreement, specific arrangements will be made toincrease cooperation in a number of areas including sustainablefisheries and aquaculture development, marine conservation and theprevention, deterrence and elimination of illegal, unreported andunregulated (IUU) fishing.The agreement will also cover capacity building, education andtraining, research and the exchange of experts as well as food safety. FAO and Indonesia also agreed to consult on matters of mutual interestprior to international fisheries meetings. In 2011, Indonesia's fishery production totalled some 8.4mn tonnes, ofwhich inland and marine catch accounted for about 5.7mn tonnes andaquaculture 2.7mn tonnes. About 95 per cent of the country’s fisheryprod uction comes from artisanal fishermen. In the same year, more than six million people were engaged in inlandand marine fishing and fish farming. About 54 per cent of Indonesia’scurrent animal protein supply comes from fish and seafood. Per capitaannual consumption has almost tripled from an average of 10.2kg inthe 1970 to 27.3kg in 2010.

In 2012, the total value of Indonesia’s fisheries exports was US$3.6bn.The fishing industry accounted for 21 per cent of Indonesia’sagricultural economy and three per cent of national GDP.Indonesia is one of 38 countries who have already met the MillenniumDevelopment Goal of halving their percentage of hunger by 2015.

Indonesia and FAO will increase cooperation in a number of areas including and aquaculture development, marine conservation and elimination of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing

Indonesia and FAO strengthen aquaculture cooperation

THE GLOBAL MARKET for fish oil is expected to reach US$1.7bn in 2018,

according to a report published by Transparency Market Research

The global fish oil market was worth US$1.1bn in 2011 with a demand

of 1,035kg tonnes which is expected to increase to 1,130kg tonnes in

2018.

The report has attributed this rise in

demand to people becoming more

aware of the health benefits of omega

3, a fatty acid found in marine oils, with

fish oil being the primary source.

The report Fish Oil Market for

Aquaculture, Direct Human

Consumption, Hydrogenation and

Industrial Applications - Global Industry

Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends

and Forecast, 2012 – 2018, has stated

that the reduced or static production

levels of fish oil may act as a major inhibitor for the growth of the market,

which will be expected to escalate due to the uneven frequency of El Nino,

which further reduces the overall fishing volumes.

Aquaculture was the largest application segment in 2011, accounting

for over 70 per cent of the consumption of oil, but direct human

consumption of fish oil has been increasing over the past five years.

Europe was the largest consumer of fish oil in 2011, with over 450kg

tonnes of oil consumed. Asia Pacific and Latin America are the fastest

growing regions in terms of fish oil consumption, due to growing

aquaculture in China and Chile.

The leading fish oil producers include EPAX AS, Croda Inc, COPEINCA

ASA, Corpesca S.A and Omega Protein Corporation, among others.

Fish oil market to reach US$1.7billion in 2018, says report FISHERMEN IN TUBAN mangrove area in East Java have revealed

plans to breed mangrove crabs or mud crabs in an attempt to increasetheir income as the species have a high economic value.

The members of Wanasari fishermen’s group have beendeveloping a number of crab ponds in Tuban mangrove forest to breedthe crabs, a high demand gourmet delicacy product.

Many seafood lovers considerthem to be among the tastiest crabspecie. In traditional fish markets insoutheast Asia mud crabs are in hugedemand. Mud crabs are usually foundin estuaries and mangrove forests inAsia, as well as in Australia.

A report on Bali Day quotedfisherman Agus Diana as saying, “We have received orders from nearbyfood establishments for mangrovecrabs.

“We have set up five crab trapsand breeding spots measuring 15 by

20 meters near Teluk Benoa mangrove to breed and catch the crabs.” Each of the traps costs around US$5,065 to build. The

construction is semi-permanent and made of bamboo and nylonfishing nets. Breeding mangrove crabs is seen as a profitable optionfor the desperate fishermen.

Diana said that demand for the crabs was predominantly fromseafood restaurants operating in Kuta and Tuban.

“Mangrove crabs contain tender, delicious meat when compared toother crab species procured from Sulawesi and Papua, currentlyflooding Bali markets,” Diana said. Crabs from these two areas haveto travel a long way to the local market.

Java fishermen to breed mud crabs

Livestock

The rise in fish oil demand isdue to people becoming moreaware of the health benefits ofomega 3, a fatty acid found in

marine oils

Many seafood lovers considermangrave crabs to be the tasti-

est of crab species.


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ALL EDIBLE CITRUS crops with theexception of grapefruit originates in Asia.The continent has given the world citrus

crop and the world gave citrus crop a whole lotmore diseases to contend with. Citrus, whichone of the most widely cultivated fruit crop, hasto contend with a wider range of difficultgrowing conditions and a broader spectrum ofdiseases. As such, citrus crop is now one of themost intensively sprayed fruit tree crops in theworld.

Take any crop out of its naturaldistribution and it will encounter new andwider range of diseases. Citrus is noexception. Trees are generally less able totolerate new diseases because they lack

genetic resistance to them and because moregrowing conditions outside the norm meanmore physiological stress for trees.

Centuries of citrus crops breeding hascreated a broad genetic base of commerciallygrown citrus crops equipped to produce ahigher yield across a wider range of growingconditions. Cultivars now grow citrus crops inEquatorial climates with its year-round hightemperature, high humidity and rainfall andalso classic Mediterranean type of climateswith hot dry summers and cool wet wintersand some sub-zero temperature.

Net result is a wide range of citrusgenotypes grown in a large number ofcountries, climate and environment resulting in

specific fungal and bacterial pathogensevolving on particular types of citrus indifferent climatic and agronomic situations.

In the year 2000, The AmericanPhytopathological Society listed no less than65 fungal diseases of citrus together with theplant pathogens responsible. The situation isfurther complicated by two or more species ofthe same fungal genus causing the samedisease and with different species of the samegenus causing distinctly separate diseases.

For example, Alternaria alternata isresponsible for ‘albinism’ as well as the morecommon alternaria brown rot, while Alternariacitri is listed as the cause of alternaria stem endrot as well as alternaria leaf spot specifically of

Choosing the right fungicide for citrus cropsFinding the appropriate fungicide spray that maintains healthof citrus crops can often be a challenge for cultivators


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rough lemon. There are at least seven speciesof Phytophthora (P. citricola, P. citrophthora, P.hibernalis, P. nicotinae, P. parasitica, P.palmivora, P. syringae) that cause brown rot ofcitrus fruit. All except P. citricola are alsoidentified as causal pathogens of phytophthorafoot rot, gummosis and root rot disease.

Fungicide requirementsCitrus crop growers, who are faced with a widerange of plant diseases, clearly need a ‘one fitsall’ fungicide to make spray applicationprogrammes as cost effective as possible.Broad spectrum fungicide activity fromweatherproof spray deposits, freedom fromfungicide resistance and no phytotoxic citrusfruit reaction (called ‘stippling’ or blemishing)are all essential requirements.

Particulate fixed copper compounds whichfurnish fungicidally active Cu2+ ions are theonly products with this all-round ability. Thesesparingly soluble salts of metallic copper,which include copper oxychloride, cuprichydroxide and cuprous oxide, are universallysprayed to control citrus crop diseases.

Molecular weight comparisons show cuprousoxide has the most active copper translating intohighest levels of disease control when these threefungicides are sprayed and compared on a weightfor weight basis. Molecular weight of cuprous

oxide [Cu2O] is 143.00 with 127.00 of this (88per cent) accounting for by the combined mass oftwo copper atoms. Equivalent figure for cuprichydroxide [Cu(OH)2] is 63.5/97.5 (65 per cent)and for copper oxychloride [3Cu(OH)2.CuCl2]381.00/696.00 (55 per cent).

Mean particle size and particle sizedistribution govern fungicide performance andefficacy. The total number of particles and their

combined surface area (in a fixed weight offungicide) increases with a decrease in meanparticle size, to give superior mixing andsuspension in water and more even coverageover the plant surface.

Spray deposits of particulate fixed copperfungicides like cuprous oxide show greateradhesion than cohesion because the particlesstick to plant surfaces with greater force thanthey stick to each other. The smaller theparticles, the more uniform is the spraycoverage and the greater the chance of particleslanding and adhering to the actual plantsurface rather than another particle of copperfungicide. The larger surface area (relative tomass) of smaller particles means the spraydeposit has more contact with the plant surfaceand greater adhesive forces to enhance spraydeposit retention and resistance to weathering.

This was demonstrated at Centrilab in theNetherlands by applying simulated rainfall toplants sprayed with various fixed copperfungicides. Following simulated rainfall appliedat 10mm/hour the retention of Nordox cuprousoxide (mean particle size 1.2µm) was 80 percent of the initial spray deposit, compared withless than 40 per cent for cupric hydroxide andcopper oxychloride with a mean particle sizesof around 3µm. All particles in cuprous oxidefungicide manufactured by Nordox AS (Oslo,Norway) were within the 1µm to 5µmdiameter range with 80 per cent less than2µm and 99 per cent less than 5µm.

A survey of the copper fungicides used asfoliar sprays by the Australian citrus industryshowed a wide range of median particle sizefrom the 1.0 µm recorded for Nordox (750gCu/kg of product) and up to 3.0 µm forproducts based on cupric hydroxide, copperoxychloride and tribasic copper sulphate. Moreparticles with a higher total surface area meana greater capacity to release copper ions in the


This well-distributed and well-dried deposit of cuprous oxide will protect the citrus fruit from awide range of fungal diseases

Timely fungicide sprays are required to protect both newly emerged leaves and newly formed fruit

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presence of moisture to enhance the fungicidalor bacterial activity of the product.

Main factors affecting spray depositretention of copper fungicide deposits on citruscrop leaf and fruit surfaces are: • Rains: Dislodgement of particles by the

physical force of falling raindrops and loss offungicide during solubilisation from washingand run-off effects of rainfall and/or conden-sation from the atmosphere as dew;

• Wind events: Particles over three to four µmin diameter are blown off plant surfaces dueto their weaker adhesive forces. Abrasive ef-fects of leaves and the fruit rubbing togetherduring wind-caused movement can dislodgeparticles.

• Physical removal of particles on plant sur-faces due to plant growth movements withtension in leaves and fruit.

Loss of spray deposit by weathering isgenerally exponential with initial high lossescaused by dislodgement and removal of largerparticles, leaving a residue of increasinglysmaller particles. Reports suggesting that singlelarge dose applications are less effective thanthe same amount of fungicide split between twoor more repeat applications may be due to lowercohesive forces created when particles aredeposited on top of each other rather thandirectly onto the leaf surface. In other words aparticle of copper fungicide in contact with otherparticles is more easily dislodged than if indirect contact with the actual leaf surface.

Copper fungicides in action on citrusCopper fungicides are purely protectant inaction. Disease control relies on maintainingan even distribution of spray deposit with goodretention over all susceptible citrus plantsurfaces. By definition, protectant coppersprays must be applied evenly over the leaf orfruit surface before spore germination. The superiority of fixed copper compounds

(such as cuprous oxide) as protectantfungicides is its ability to stick firmly on theplant surface where it lands. From this initialdeposit position, copper ions are graduallyreleased by solubilisation to enter thegerminating fungal spore and kill them beforethey can infect the leaf or fruit.

Copper fungicides are most effective against

pathogens which are dependent on free waterfor infection and disease development. Plantsurface water from rainfall, condensation (dew)or irrigation receives biochemical exudates fromthe plant and fungal and bacterial spores.Being weak acids they will reduce the pH ofsurface water. Since the solubility of copperfungicides increases as the pH falls, therelease and accumulation of copper ions in thesurface water accelerates accordingly. Copperions, which come into contact withgerminating fungal spores or bacteria, arepicked up and absorbed into these microbialcells to disrupt enzyme activity on a broadfront, killing fungal spores and bacterial cellsbefore they cause infection.

Free water is particularly important for thepropagation and spread of bacterial inoculum.Bacterial canker of citrus caused byXanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri andXanthomonas axonopodis pv. aurantifolii is aclassic example. It is controlled by copperfungicide but spraying when dew is the leavesmakes matters worse. Air assisted sprayersblow spray droplets and bacteria around theorchard to cause particular problems.American Phytopathological Society advises

Crops


Research in Australia shows how a surface deposit of protectant fungicide on lemons can be reduced (diluted) by up to a factor of 14 simply through an surface area from fruit growth

Citrus crop suffering from two fungal diseases at the same time. The leaves show symptoms ofgreasy spot (Mycosphaerella citri) while the fruit displays symptoms of citrus scab (Elsinöe sp)

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against spraying against bacterial canker in wetconditions and with early morning dews.

Fungicide coverage will decrease over timedue to deposit loss caused by plant growth andweathering through rainfall and wind. Growthmovements may dislodge particles of copperfungicide from the plant surface while anincrease in the surface area of leaves and fruitfrom growth will dilute the deposit accordinglyon a mass per unit area basis.

Expanding plant surfaces create unprotectedareas and can dislodge fungitoxic residues.Surface area of lemon fruits growing in NewSouth Wales (NSW) Australia increased by afactor of 14 between fruit set and harvest withsurface deposits of fungicide ‘diluted’accordingly. Loss of effectiveness of copperfungicides against citrus melanose on young fastgrowing grapefruit in Florida was more attributedto the dilution of surface deposits from fruitgrowth rather than to actual loss of deposits dueto rainfall and other environmental factors.

Period of fungicide protection is shortenedunder conditions of high rainfall and use ofoverhead irrigation. Follow up fungicideapplications may be required to maintain theprotection of foliage and fruit, depending on theretention properties of the copper fungicide used.

Trials in Spain (Valencia) to controlAlternaria brown rot of citrus showed copperfungicides with longer residual activity on fruitand higher rain-fastness than mancozeb,difenoconazole, iprodione, famoxadone, andpyraclostrobin. Cuprous oxide controlled thisfruit disease for 28 days and withstood 71mm of rainfall, its rain-fastness and

persistence outperforming that of both cuprichydroxide and copper oxychloride. Based onthese findings a 4-week spray applicationschedule was proposed for the control ofAlternaria brown rot on Fortune Mandarinduring periods favourable for diseasedevelopment. Follow up applications to replacelost copper fungicide deposit were onlynecessary after heavy or wind-driven rains.

Use of fixed copper fungicides with smallerparticles, and therefore enhanced tenacity andsuperior weathering ability, has importantpractical implications for the protection ofevergreen tree crops like citrus. Leaf depositswhich lack tenacity will suffer large early lossesof fungicide due to the erosive effects of rainfall.As such growers are required to apply muchhigher rates of fungicide with increased cost ofcontrol. Fungicide formulations which contain anarrow range of much smaller particles willshow more gradual release of copper ions fromthe deposit. This gradual redistribution offungicide means some falls on and protects thenew leaf flushes produced after spraying.

Cuprous oxide ‘fits all’ for citrusFixed copper compounds can cope with thewide range of diseases affecting citrus leavesand fruit. Strength comes from broadspectrum of fungicidal and bacterial activityand sparingly soluble properties enhancingrain-fastness, persistence and spray depositlongevity, while providing an ideal releaseprofile of copper ions. Inherently highercopper content and low solubility of cuprousoxide provides the highest efficacy and longestpersistence to give superior disease control atlower spray dosage rates, and with minimumrisk of citrus fruit ‘stippling’ (blemishing). nn

By Dr Terry Mabbett

Crops

A wide range of citrus hybrids suited to different growing conditions are now available. An orange-lemon hybrid growing in Australia

Highly tenacious cuprous oxide fungicide provides weatherproof deposits for citrus crops like thismandarin grown in high rainfall areas

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TWO YEARS AGO, the Philippines government had declared thatthe country will be self-sufficient in rice production by 2013. Thegovernment’s confidence was bolstered by consistent growth in

rice production in 2011 and 2012 at six per cent (16.68mn tonnes)and eight per cent (18mn tonnes), respectively.

With these impressive figures, the Department of Agriculture (DA) isconvinced of hitting the 20mn tonne mark, an adequate volume that wouldmake the country rice self-sufficient once more after many years of being animporter. The DA also boasted of drastic cut in rice imports, from 2.4mntonnes in 2010 to 860,000 tonnes in 2011 and 500,000 in 2012.

The prediction may actually materialise as palay rice (unhuskedrice) output in the first quarter rose 5.5 per cent to 4.5mn tonnesfrom January to March 2013 from 4.24mn tonnes in the same three-month period last year.

Agriculture secretary Proceso Alcala has attributed the increasedproduction to good weather condition and higher prices of the produce.The National Food Authority (NFA), the country’s grain arm, announcedthat it bought 2,286,324 bags of palay in April, the highest in 41 years.

According to local daily Business Mirror, NFA administrator OrlanCalayag said the bags exceeded the food agency’s target of 1,078,500bags by 212.03 per cent. Calayag said most rice producing provinceshave surpassed their target outputs and even non-traditional riceproducing regions have also been procuring record volumes of palay.

In fact, the country had become self-sufficient in rice as a staplefood as early as last year. Based on current data of palay productionand assuming a 90-day buffer stock, assistant secretary and NationalRice Program coordinator Dante Delima said calculations on percapita consumption and updated population figures, rice production of11.75mn tonnes of milled rice have already met the needs of97.61mn people last year.

Not only that the country has plans to be self-sufficient in rice, but

also it has embarked on designing exports strategies. From being theworld’s biggest importer of rice, the Philippines has initially shippedsome volumes of rice abroad as its modest step to enter the nichemarket for the staple after forty years.

Crops


As Philippines takes bold strides towardsattaining rice self sufficiency, here is a look atthe worries that need to be addressed


2011 and 1012 has seen a consistent growth in rice production at six per and eight per cent respectively

The increase in rice production has been attributed to consistent good weather and higher prices of produce



Last year, NFA showed that it can export 900,000kg of cereals (corn,rice and rice seeds), with rice seeds comprising the bulk. In fact, BusinessMirror reported that around 24,000kg of heirloom rice from the CordilleraAutonomous Region (CAR) will be exported to the US.

An additional 800kg of black rice will be exported to theNetherlands in June-July, 40 tonnes of white rice and 15 tonnes oforganic rice to Hong Kong and 15 tonnes of black rice as well as 20tonnes of white and long grain aromatic rice has already beenexported to Dubai in May. According to GMA News, the DA is lookingat a total of 100 tonnes of rice exports to Dubai, Hong Kong, Macau,South Africa and the US and may double it to 200 tonnes in 2014 ifthe shipments this year are successful.

Rice smuggling Amid the impressive performance, the industry has issues that needimmediate attention. The problem of smuggling has been rising steeply,cutting down precious profit margins. Although this has been a problemfor ages, the illegal trade has become more extreme and is severelyaffecting the small farmers.

Rosendo So of the party list group Abono said farmers fear that pricesfor locally produced grains would drop further as cheaper imports arealready flooding the market. So said the documents from the Bureau ofCustoms show that rice smuggling is occurring in ports, particularly inhuge cities of Davao and Cebu.

So says rice smuggled into Mindanao is shipped to Luzon and sold atUS$28.81 per sack. Locally milled rice is sold at US$33.61 per sackafter being bought at US$0.42 per kg.

Smuggled rice mostly comes from China and Vietnam and theBureau of Customs (BOC) has been actively seizing illegal entry ofimported rice in the country. In 2012, So said that around 600,000tonnes of rice worth US$240.12mn was smuggled into the country.

BOC on the other hand denied such claims, saying their agency hasbeen working hard for controlling such illegal acts.

BOC Commissioner Ruffy Biazon said the shipment was found in 20-footer vans consigned to Davao-based traders. Biazon added that theBOC has stepped up its fight against.

President Benigno Aquino III has already drafted a manifesto on ricesmuggling to control the entry of illegal rice imports which has beenplaguing the industry for many years.

Questions on self-sufficiencySome analysts have however expressed doubts on the rice self-sufficiency plans and said that the rice self-sufficiency goal may not begood for the country. According to Rene Pastor, columnist atRappler.com, it may make better sense to just import the shortfall in ricerather than forcefully plant more.

With the population growing rapidly to nearly 100mn, Pastor saidmassive rice farming would mean more chemical-based fertilisers thatwill damage the whole rice farmlands which are already in troubleconsidering its shrinking size brought about by industrialisation andbooming real estate business in semi-urban areas.

“The Philippines can increase rice production in the short-term, butfarms and fisheries may suffer irreparable damage from fertiliser abuse.Switching crops or getting Filipino farmers to reduce their use of fertiliserwould require a determined government thinking of long-termconsequences for the country,” Pastor said.

Although he is cognizant of Aquino’s rice self-sufficiency goal is anachievement, compelling environmental and economic considerationsshould also be taken account, which ignored, could be moredetrimental for the country that is just beginning to feel someeconomic relief.

Nevertheless, issues on the rice industry, whether detrimental orbeneficial, would always be pertinent and interesting to the Filipinos wholive and breathe on rice. nn

By Gemma Delmo

The problem of rice smuggling has been rising steeply, cutting down precious profit margins

Crops

Smuggled rice mostly comes to Philippines from China and Vietnam



Crops

ESCORTS HAS SIGNED a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)with State Bank of India (SBI) for providing financial assistance to itsnewly-launched agri service infrastructure called ‘Escorts CropSolutions’.

The signing ceremony was presided over by SBI chief generalmanager Ashish Kumar Roy and Crop Solutions & ApplicationMarketing head Rajan Aggarwal along with Escorts Agri Machinerycommercial head A Biswas. This tie–up is expected to help inboosting the farm mechanisation at grass root level in India.

Escorts Crop solution (ECS) is an initiative through which Escortsintends to provide “end-to-end farm machinery” through customhiring route to small and marginal farmers.

The company is establishing Escorts crop solutions centres bothat district and village levels for easy access. These custom hiringcentres would also have provision of sales and service of themachines.

Escorts Agri Machinery CEO S Sridhar said, “Conventionally, farmmechanisation strategies are tractor centric where as our focus is tobe crop centric and the offer is complete end-to-end farm machinerysolutions.

“This is in line with the Indian government’s thrust on providingsustainable and affordable farm mechanisation solutions to thefarming society without disparity. The alliance with SBI aims ataddressing these challenges by providing easy and absolute accessof machines along with the required financial assistance.”

US-BASED OREGON STATE University (OSU) has developed anenvironment monitoring system using mobile technology andcloud computing that will help farmers thousands miles away, inwest and central Asia, effectively combat a pest that is a hugethreat to wheat crop. Twenty million acres of wheat in parts of Asia and North Africa arethreatened by a bug — Sunn pest — that can destroy the value ofwheat. Speed in confronting this pest is essential. Even minor delays in useof pesticides can cut wheat yield by 90 per cent. Even if just two tofive per cent of the grains have been affected, the entire cropbecomes unusable for making bread.

A solution to that problem has emergedfrom an unusual collaboration betweenan entomologist, a rangeland specialistand an OSU computer scientist whohave used a mobile technology andcloud computing for bettermanagement of the devastating pests.Mustapha El Bouhssini, a seniorentomologist at the InternationalCenter for Agricultural Research in theDry Areas, an organisation based inLebanon, collaborated with Doug

Johnson, an OSU professor of rangeland ecology and management,to create a unique solution for pest control.El Bouhssini said, “To control Sunn pest, governments treat infestedwheat fields with pesticides and close to US$150mn is spent annuallyon chemical control. That’s a lot of pesticide to dump in the environment.It kills the bees, and pollutes the water and the environment.”OSU professor and computer scientist Bechir Hamdaoui joined theproject to develop an integrated data acquisition system that couldcollect and process photos from the field quickly and accurately.With the help of smart phones or smart cameras, workers in filed cancapture location information and transmit it wirelessly to a remoteOSU server for automatic processing.Decision-makers will be able to find out the number of Sunn pestsin their fields and spray only when conditions warrant action. Thedata collected for pest management can also be examined year-to-year, along with other factors like temperature and weather forprediction modelling.

MORE PEST SPECIES are becoming resistant to the most populartype of genetically-modified, insect-repellent crops, a study hasrevealed recently.

The paper, published in the journal Nature Biotechnology,delved into key aspects of so-called Bt corn and cotton, plants thatcarry a gene to make them exude a bacterium called Bacillusthuringiensis, which is toxic to insects. Researchers have analysedthe findings of 77 studies from eight countries on five continentsthat reported on data from field monitors.

Of 13 major pest species examined, five were resistant by 2011,compared with only one in 2005, according to the study. Thebenchmark was resistance among more than 50 per cent of insectsin a location.

Of the five species, three were cotton pests and two were cornpests.The authors said they picked up a case of early resistance,with less than 50 per cent of insects, in yet another US cotton pest.

There were early warning signs (one per cent resistance orless) from four other cotton or corn pests in China, the UnitedStates and the Philippines.

The scientists found big differences in the speed at which Btresistance developed.

What made the difference was whether farmers set asidesufficient refuges of land for non-Bt crops, said the study.

The genes that confer resistance are recessive, meaning thatinsects can survive on Bt plants only if they have two copies of aresistance gene, one from each parent.

Planting refuges near Bt crops reduces the chances of tworesistant insects mating and conferring the double gene to theiroffspring.

Indian bank ties up with Escorts Study helps protect wheat crop in Asia and Africa from pests

Pests becoming resistant to GM crops, says study

Even if two to five per cent ofwheat grains in a harvest isaffected by the Sunn pest,the entire crop becomes

unusable for making bread


Crops

30

INDONESIA HAS MADE an attempt atharnessing the potentials of Camelina Sativa,a shrub originating in Europe that can beprocessed into biofuel, to improve theincomes of local farmers.

The first planting of the shrub, also knownas camelina, was conducted recently by theYogyakarta Forestry and Horticulture Agencyin cooperation with Waterland AsiaInvestments, which has committed to buyingthe harvest.

Apart from being a source of biofuel, theleaves and stalks of the shrub can be used asan alternative source of cattle feed.

According to a report on Jakarta Post,Akhmad Dawam, Yogyakarta Forestry andHorticulture Agency head, said, “I really hopethe camelina shrub will be able to improve thewealth of local farmers as they will not bedependent only on food crops.”

The shrubs were planted, widely spacedamong rows of cajuput trees, on 300hectares of state forest at Manggoran Resort.

The newspaper quoted Akhmad as sayingthat his office was still conducting trials and

research on the plant’s feasibility inGunungkidul. If successful, he added,another 1,800 hectares of land will beprovided for the plant.

“Camelina can be cultivated in dry seasonswhen it is impossible for farmers to plant foodcrops. Theoretically, therefore, this can improvethe farmers’ income,” Akhmad said.

The crop is of immense economicimportance in comparison to other bioenergyplants like jatropha and nyamplung(Calophyllum inophullum) since it requiresonly two months harvesting time.

Akhmad also said that his agency hadsigned a cooperation agreement withWaterland for the development of bio-energyplants and other crops in Gunungkidul regency.

Waterland, he said, will buy the harvest atbetween US 20 cents to 25 cents per kg.

Separately, Waterland chairman AdiSasono said that the plant could be a solutionto the need for renewable energy sources.

Indonesia, he said, currently wasexperiencing an energy emergency in the fossilfuel supply because imports accounted for 60per cent content of fuel production. At the sametime, he added, domestic crude oil reserveswere only some four billion barrels and this wasexpected to be used up in 10 years.

MYANMAR MAY SOON have analgae farming hub in Yangon withNation First InternationalDevelopment Asia (NFIDAsia)Company planning to invest in sucha venture at the earliest. Algae are a profitable source of bio-fuel and commercial animal feed foraquaculture and agriculture. It canalso be a sustainable source for abroad range of high profit valueproducts. Algae farming can becarried out at places like fish farms.The NFDIAsia has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hisham Koh &Associates (HKA) which carried out the UNDP’s development programs in Myanmar to facilitatealgae farming products in the rural areas throughout the country. NFIDAsia president Johnathan Pierce said, “The NFIDAsia Company is not a business whichwill take Myanmar’s money out to other countries. The project will be beneficial for local people. “We will grow the algae, manufacture it locally and distribute the finished productsaround the world. The company will not manufacture the products in other countries byonly taking the raw materials.”The president also said that the company has been successfully operating the algae farmingbusinesses in several countries like Japan, US and Israel. The company expected that their operation tasks will be successful in Myanmar combined withits rich international experiences.Algae are suitable for cultivation and production in central Myanmar. However, the techniquesneeded to produce algal based farming products for the export is not developed to the requiredquality specifications.Production of spirulina, a fresh water algae consumed by both humans and animals, is beingcarried out in Butalin Township of Sagaing region, in upper Myanmar and is widely used as anutritious food in 70 countries.

Algae farming can be carried out at places like fish farms

Biofuel crop could improve farmers’ income in Indonesia

Algae farm hub to come up in Myanmar


The leaves and stalks of the shrub can beused as an alternative source of cattle feed

AN INDIAN AGRICULTURAL varsity hasrecently released nine high-yieldingvarieties of rice, groundnut, soya bean,sugarcane and chickpea crops.

The research was conducted by theBirsa Agriculture University (BAU) inIndia’s Jhanrkhand state. The seedsare resistant towards major diseasesand pests.

BAU vice-chancellor P Pandey said allthese varieties will be made avilable forplanned multiplication during comingseasons to ensure that they reach thefarmers soon thus enabling them to derivethe benefits of enhanced productivity andincome through its cultivation.

“This will pave the way for a secondgreen revolution in the state becausethe new variants are not only highyielding but also resistant to diseasesand pest, making it profitable for thefarmers,” he said.

Four of the nine crop varieties thathave been released are of rice alone. Ofthese, Birsa Vikash Sugandha-1 canmature in 120 -125 days and is suitablefor cultivation if it receives proper rains.

It is a scented variety of grain with ayield potential of 40-45 quintal/ha. Therice is moderately resistant to brown spot,blast diseases and pests.

Nine high-yielding seeds


31

Equipment

UK-BASED POULTRY VACCINATION solutions manufacturer DiamondEngineering’s Diamond Evolution 2V vaccinator has been recognisedas a key vaccination innovation in the poultry sector in recent times.

The company has received an order to supply 100 Evolution 2Vvaccinators from a China-based client.

The order was placed recently after extensive field trials in Chinaat the customer’s own research site and at hatchery farms spread overChina for a period of six months.

The Evolution 2V vaccinator is a subcutaneous chick vaccinatorthat is equipped to deliver two vaccines simultaneously to one to 15day old chicks. The machine is supplied with a single syringe for doseof two volumes of vaccine dose according to requirements. TheDiamond Evolution 2V vaccinator emerged a winner in four significantareas considered by the client based on price, quality, ease of use andsimplicity of service.

The company has also recently received orders from 40 hatchsprayers from clients in the Middle East and Asia.

Evolution hatch sprayer

WEDA DAMMANN & Westerkamp GmbH (Lutten) has introduced new and

useful software to aid pig farmers to increase the efficiency of the entire

animal house management.

The 4PX setup developed by Weda has new and useful program

features that will enable a consistent exchange and comparison of data

between the animal house segments of mating station, waiting section

and farrowing section.

The data transfer can be carried out via the networking interface,

ISOagriNET. Based on the new software architecture, the sows can now also

be identified as individual animals in the group at the feed valve. This,

compared with previous versions, is a technical innovation because the

animals standing at the feed trough will not be anonymous any more.

Also, data from an external computer, as for instance the demand

feeding station “4PX SowComp” can be read in from the liquid feeding

computer via interface. This way, important data can be stored in the main

computer, for example, the number of the sow, the number of the

responder, or the day of the cycle. Thus, the sow only has to be allocated to

the respective feed valve.

WEDA’s all-in-one solution is thus a house management system which

simplifies and optimises the complete animal administration. Due to the

entries into the computer system, it is, therefore, possible to control the

movements of individual animals within the station.

ABATTOIR EQUIPMENT FIRM GM Steel has installed JS Humidifiers’JetSpray humidifier for helping it reduce carcass moisture loss afterslaughter by up to 1.5 per cent. By maintaining a consistently highhumidity in the chill-down area, GM Steel has been able to reduce themoisture loss from around 2.5 per cent to less than one per cent.

For an abattoir processing 3,500 carcasses per week and anaverage cost of beef at US$4 per kg, this technology could increaseprofits by over US$2mn per year by preventing over 500,000kg ofbeef simply evaporating into its chill store’s atmosphere.

The JetSpray humidifier consists of rows of precision engineerednozzles that combine compressed air and water to produce a spraythat has a droplet size of just 7.5 microns. The nozzle line is mounteddirectly in front of the evaporator coils of the refrigeration system andintroduces moisture to the airstream as is enters the chill store.

The extremely fine spray ensures the moisture is absorbed bythe atmosphere and prevents wetting inside the room. Tinyneedles inside the nozzles act as a self-cleaning mechanism andprevent blockages making the system extremely robust, requiringvery little maintenance.

Robert Ten Cate, GM Steel consultant, said, “A carcass comingfrom the slaughter line is wet and warm. When it is introduced to thechill store, the cold dry air strips moisture from its exposed surface.By maintaining a high humidity in the chill store with a JetSprayhumidifier during the initial cooling, moisture loss from the carcass isinhibited and can be reduced to less than one per cent.”

Evolution 2V vaccinator creates ripples

JetSpray humidifier helpsmaintain carcass moisture

Weda software for improving sow management


Water controlled by ImpexHarselaarseweg 129 • P.O. Box 20 • 3770 AA Barneveld • HOLLAND

T: 31 (0)342 - 41 66 41 • F: 31 (0)342 - 41 28 26 • E: [email protected] • I: www.impex.nlIMPEX Barneveld BV

Innovative drinking technology

The 4PX setup developed by Weda has new and useful programme featuresthat will enable a consistent exchange and comparison of data

S08 FEAG 3 2013 Equipment_Layout 1 01/07/2013 09:55

Equipment

32

GREAVES FARM EQUIPMENT Business, Greaves Cotton, haslaunched a new mini tractor called Ustaad in India recently followingtheir foray into the tractor market in the country.

Greaves Cotton Ustad will be offered in 11 and 12hp range and willbe ideally suited for a land holding of size three to five acres. The entrylevel mini tractor will possess a Greaves G600 WII engine which ishighly fuel efficient with consumption of diesel at just one liter per hour.

The four stroke direct injection single cylinder engine can offer amaximum torque of 32Nm. The engine is emission compliant and is easyto service. It will also aid Indian farmers where a number of other farmingfunctions are concerned, which include hauling, cultivation facilities, seeddrill, as a rotavator and for spraying of pesticides on plants. GreavesUstad mini-tractor comes in with an advanced ergonomic design offeringfarmers with a comfortable riding experience with advanced features,while fuel efficiency is one of its major attributes.

Greaves Ustad features forward – reverse with eight forward andtwo reverse gears, completely sealed water proof mechanical brakesand a pawl and ratchet type locking arrangement as a standardfitment. Ustad comes with a combination of synchromesh, constantand sliding mesh gear shifting with epicyclical planetary reductiongear that is suited for all agricultural operations and haulage.

Ustad presents a three point linkage allowing for attachment ofvarious implements like plough, cultivator, and harrow seed drill andfor movement of implements.

Greaves Cotton MD and CEO Sunil Pahilajani said, “The launch ofGreaves Ustad is a testimony of our continuous focus on new productdevelopment and innovation. It symbolises our commitment ofproviding the farming community a value for money product backed bya strong after market support.”

JOHN DEERE’S 5E Series three-cylinderutility tractors have been fitted with a newJohn Deere designed cab aimed at providingmore comfort for enhancing performance.

The 5E Series tractors are suitable for arange of customers including smaller livestockor mixed farms, specialty growers and part-time farmers or private landowners, as well asthe commercial grounds care market.

The 5055E, 5065E and 5075E models from55 to 75hp (97/68 EC rating) can be orderedwith two new cab options, equipped with eitherbasic roof-mounted heater or ventilation outletsand controls or a higher specification airconditioning and heating system.

The cabs also feature opening front, rearand side windows for extra visibility whenrequired. An additional new feature is a digitalinstrument panel.

All three models feature a John DeerePowerTech M Tier III engine, providing goodfuel economy and low emission levels, andan open centre hydraulic system withindependent pumps.

A single rear SCV will be operated by a

dedicated lever as standard. Additionaloptions include a second rear or mid-mounted SCV, operated by a joystick control.The synchronised nine forward/three reverseinline transmission follows an H pattern andcan be shifted on the move via side-shiftlevers within the range. A standard 540rpmPTO can operate at a rated engine speed of

2400rpm, while the 540E economy versionruns at 1700 engine rpm.

The tractors can be fitted with a choiceof two mechanical self-levelling or nonself-levelling loaders, with lift capacities ofeither 873kg or 989kg to a maximum liftheight of 3.38m. Rear lift capacity is 1.8tonnes at the hitch balls.

Greaves Cotton launches minitractor in India

New cab for John Deere 5E Series tractors


The 5E Series tractors are suitable for a range of customers including smaller livestock ormixed farm owners, specialty growers and part-time farmers

GOIZPER HAS DEVELOPED a range of sprayers, MATABI, which issuited for gardening, orchard farming and agricultural sectors. TheEvolution 16 hand-operated and E+ electrical, are the two new modelsequipped with knapsacks which offer features that make the workeasier to the user, ensuring an efficient crop protection treatment.Technological innovation in agriculture is extended to all fields andareas of crop protection. Goizper said that the evolution of themachines and tools reflect on concepts such as the design,ergonomics, improved features, efficiency, respect for theenvironment and the company has always kept these parameters inmind while designing its products.

The E+ electrical sprayer ischaracterised by a total capacity of 15litres and a light ergonomic design. Ithas adjustable padded straps and beltwith a pocket. It has also been equippedwith a carrying handle for easytransport, fiber glass lance withadjustable blue cone nozzle, adiaphragm pump, translucent tank anda pressure regulator integrated in thehandle.The Evolution 16 knapsack sprayer has

a total capacity of 16 litres. It has a resistant and light polypropylenetank, a translucent side level indicator, ergonomic carrying handle,steel chromed handle, long fiber glass lance with hollow cone yellownozzle and comes with a five years guarantee.Goizper said that it pursues a continuous innovation strategy as itsgoal and its team of engineers has therefore been able to successfullylaunch the new range of sprayers.

New sprayers from Goizper

ElectricSprayer E+


33

Equipment

STUDENTS FROM AN Indian university have

developed a time-saving and easy-to-use

pesticide sprayer which can prove to be a boon

to farmers.

Four students Hassan Mohammed Suhail,

Mithun Shetty, Mohammed Suhaif, and Anish R

of Shree Devi Institute of Technology (SDIT) have

designed a single-wheeled sprayer, the

speciality of which is that it can reduce the

consumption and also time required for spraying

of pesticides in farmlands.

This innovative equipment is designed in

such a way that it prevents hand pumping to

spray the pesticides as it is designed using

cranking mechanism.

Explaining about how this equipment works,

Hassan Mohammed told Indian newspaper Times

of India that a farmer has to just push this

equipment on the farmland and the nozzle will

spray pesticide automatically in whichever

direction he wants.

A single wheel is hinged on the axle, which in

turn drives a cranking mechanism to create to and

fro motion and actuates the pump of the pesticide

tank. This creates pressure inside the tank and due

to this pressure pesticide gets sprayed, said

Hassan Mohammed.

Another speciality is that the height of the

sprayer can be adjusted and pesticide can be

sprayed in four parallel rows simultaneously in

farm lands which saves time and farmers’ work.

Usually farmers carry pesticide tanks on their

back and spray on the crops, he said, adding, “This

usually makes farmers very tired but our

equipment can be used easily even by aged

farmers without carrying the tank on the back.”

These budding engineers have developed this

equipment within one month under the guidance

of Thrivikram Prabhu, head of the department of

mechanical engineering, and Dilip Kumar K,

principal of SDIT.

Hassan Mohammed said, “If any poor

farmer approaches us, we will help them to

develop this equipment. The maintenance of

this equipment is easy.”

Students develop time-saving pesticide sprayer


MASCHIO GASPARDO HAS launched a seed

placement solution, Gigante cereal air drill, that

guarantees a consistent placement and a

uniform seeding depth of rice grains during

planting seasons.

The Gigante seeding unit design, with single

notched disc openers, can cut every soil including

hard no-till surfaces. The side gauge wheel sets

the seeding depth and allows adjustment of it

considering seed and soil types.

The seed trench created by the coulter is

extremely narrow and easy to close with the rear

tapered cast wheel. Seed to soil contact is perfect

all the time and the furrow closing action can be

adjusted by setting the down pressure of the rear

closing wheel.

Each unit is mounted on a heavy-duty tool-bar

made of high tensile steel, linked by a cast hinge

and tempered pin where the opener arm is mounted

on the bar. The cast arm is rugged and guarantees

effective cutting capability in every soil.

Maschio Gaspardo launches cereal air drill


Moreover

#

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Switzerland

[email protected] www.unipoint.ch

Mycotoxins and Ammonium

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WHEAT RUSTS, A fungal disease thatoccurs particularly in wet seasons,has drawn the attention of global

communities in recent times with yields inWest and South Asia, North Africa andMiddle-East, which account for more than30 per cent of global wheat output,vulnerable to impact of the fungus.

FAO has called for countries in the global‘wheat belt’ to step up monitoring andprevention for wheat rusts to ensure enoughharvest to meet global needs this year.

FAO plant production and protectiondivision agriculture officer Fazil Dusunceli said,“The favourable growing conditions for wheatare also good for the rust diseases that affectwheat, so when there is good precipitation forwheat, that is also when wheat rusts will beable to best thrive and proliferate.

“The ideal approach to prevent the rusts isto grow the right cultivars which are resistantto rust diseases.”

Wheat rusts manifest themselves as yellow,blackish or brown coloured blisters that formon wheat leaves and stems, full of millions ofspores. These spores, similar in appearance torust, infect the plant tissues, hinderingphotosynthesis and decreasing the crop’sability to produce grain.

Asia and Africa are risk areasCentral, West and South Asia and Africa areparticularly susceptible to the crop disease. Ifwheat rusts strike on susceptible varieties at an

early stage, the entire crop can be lost.According to a joint alert on

www.rusttracker.org issued by the InternationalMaize and Wheat Improvement Center and theInternational Center for Agricultural Research inthe Dry Areas, both FAO partners, “Conduciveclimatic conditions for rusts, especially yellowrust, are resulting in potentially seriousoutbreaks in the central and West Asia andNorth Africa region. Cool and wet conditionshave persisted in many countries fromMorocco to Bhutan.”

According to the report, especially yellow(stripe) rust has been damaging onsusceptible varieties in some parts ofAfghanistan, Azerbaijan, India, Iran, Iraq,

Morocco, Pakistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.In Pakistan, a marked increase in reports ofhigh (more than 40 per cent) and moderate(more than 20 per cent) severity for threetypes of rust diseases was reported a fewyears back, but the effects of yellow rustwere most pronounced, appearing in 53 percent of the surveyed fields.

Prevention and rapid response Using resistant cultivars and earlyintervention are the key principles ofcontrolling wheat rust diseases, butmonitoring for rusts on the ground is typicallyweak and likewise the reporting times areslow in many countries. FAO has beenrunning a global programme since 2008 toprovide support to the countries concernedemphasising on prevention, by encouragingthe development and planting of resistantcultivars, use of certified seed, rapid seedmultiplication, training of farmers andstrengthening surveillance. Wheat rusts, likeother pathogens, over time can evolve intonew strains that are more virulent anddamaging to wheat crops. It must be closelymonitored as part of a global collective effort.To achieve sustained and improvedproductivity in wheat, increased investmentsare needed to support collaboration efforts tosupport integrated disease management inthe regions often at risk of wheat rustepidemics, specifically in East and NorthAfrica and the Central and South Asia. nn


To achieve sustained andimproved productivity in

wheat, increasedinvestments are needed

to support collaboration efforts forsupporting integrated

disease management inthe regions

often at risk of wheat rustepidemics

Monitoring crop to prevent

wheat rusts

Wheat belt regions in Asia and Africa should stepup measures to prevent the spread of the fungal

disease that can destroy harvest completely

Moreover

Wheat rusts manifest themselves as yellow,blackish or brown coloured blisters that

form on wheat leaves and stems


Far Eastern Agriculture 3 2013

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Transcript of Far Eastern Agriculture 3 2013